MGISS support for the Transition from DDMS to GDMS

Drainage systems are the unsung heroes of the UK’s highways network. Managing rainwater effectively is critical to maintaining safe and efficient roads, preventing flooding, and reducing long-term maintenance costs. National Highways has long recognised the importance of robust drainage asset management, with the legacy Drainage Data Management System (DDMS) serving as the backbone for decades. However, the transition from DDMS to GDMS (Geotechnical Drainage Management System) marks a significant step forward, embracing innovation and tackling the challenges of a data-driven future.

---

Why the Transition from DDMS to GDMS?

The transition from DDMS to GDMS isn’t just about upgrading technology; it’s about addressing the fundamental limitations of the older system. DDMS, while revolutionary in its time, struggled with:

• Fragmented Data Management: Drainage data was often siloed, making achieving a comprehensive national overview challenging.
• Limited Geospatial Capabilities: GIS integration was not as sophisticated, leading to inefficiencies in visualising, analysing, and sharing drainage data.
• Scalability Concerns: The system’s architecture made it difficult to adapt to evolving standards and incorporate more granular datasets.

GDMS, designed with modern highways demands in mind, aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring that drainage assets are managed more effectively and in-line with broader sustainability goals.

---

The Impact on Highways Drainage Contractors

The transition from the legacy Drainage Data Management System (DDMS) to the Geotechnical Drainage Management System (GDMS) doesn’t just impact National Highways; it also has profound implications for the contractors working on the network and affects their operations in several ways:

1. New Data Standards
   Contractors must now align their work with the updated data standards required by GDMS. This includes the need to collect, validate, and submit data in formats that integrate seamlessly into the GDMS platform.
2. Efficiency Gains and Accountability
   With GDMS providing real-time access to drainage asset data, contractors to work more efficiently. The centralised, geospatially enriched database allows contractors to better plan and prioritise maintenance, reducing downtime and resource waste.
3. Upskilling Workforce
   Contractors must upskill their workforce to work with advanced GIS-integrated tools and ensure that field teams are proficient in data capture methods that align with GDMS requirements. This includes knowledge of survey-grade GNSS equipment, GIS platforms, and mobile data collection systems.

The Role of Tools Like MGISS DDMS Roundtripping

At MGISS we have been at the forefront of the transition from DDMS to GDMS by upgrading our contractor tools to support the GDMS schema and roundtripping workflows.

Surveying tools like the MGISS DDMS Roundtripping tool for ArcGIS play a critical role in capturing and inspecting highways drainage points to the correct standards (CS551 and CD535) and by upgrading our toolboxes and data capture system we offer a smooth transition from DDMS to GDMS.

1. Streamlined Data Collection and Submission
   The MGISS tool enhances field-to-office workflows by allowing surveyors to capture drainage data, validate it against National Highways’ requirements, and upload it seamlessly into GDMS. This minimises errors during the migration process and ensures high data quality.
2. Future-Proofing Operations
   By adopting GDMS-compatible tools, contractors can future-proof their operations. These tools often come with modular capabilities, allowing contractors to expand their functionality as GDMS evolves to include features like AI-driven asset monitoring or predictive analytics.

Contractor Opportunities in the GDMS Era

For contractors, the GDMS migration offers opportunities to enhance their service offerings. For instance:

• Sustainable Solutions: As GDMS integrates environmental data, contractors can position themselves as leaders in delivering green drainage solutions.
• Tech-Driven Contracts: Contractors who adopt GDMS-compatible tools early can leverage their expertise to win new contracts and become preferred partners for National Highways.
• Innovation Collaboration: With tools like the MGISS Roundtripping solution, contractors can directly contribute to the development of innovative, GDMS-aligned methodologies.

---

Conclusion

The MGISS transition from DDMS to GDMS is not just a technical upgrade; it is a paradigm shift that reshapes how highways drainage is managed in the UK. For contractors and tool developers, this shift demands adaptability but also unlocks opportunities for greater efficiency, accountability, and innovation. By embracing these changes, contractors can solidify their roles as essential players in a smarter, more sustainable highways network.

Book a FREE demo for our Highways Drainage Solution with an MGISS consultant:

---