As part of our RCI Coast to Coast series, we’re highlighting how the right technology and training can make a measurable impact in even the most challenging environments — and this time, we head north to Alaska.
Last month in Anchorage, our team worked alongside a major regional provider to train their crews on newly deployed Vivax Metrotech’s vLoc3-RTK locating units. The goal was simple: improve the accuracy of their network records and eliminate the inefficiencies that come with outdated or unreliable as-built data.
Like many operators, this customer has dealt with discrepancies between field conditions and legacy documentation. In some cases, their as-built diagrams were off by more than 10 feet — a gap that creates real challenges when trying to locate underground infrastructure.
In Alaska, those challenges are amplified.
With heavy snowfall, frozen ground, and seasonal gravel shifts, critical infrastructure like vaults and pedestals can quickly become difficult to locate. Crews often rely on existing records to pinpoint assets, but when those records are inaccurate, it leads to wasted time, unnecessary digging, and frustration in the field.
One example shared during training stood out.
A crew attempted to locate a buried asset based on existing documentation, only to find themselves digging a three-foot hole in the snow — in the wrong location. What should have been a quick locate turned into a time-consuming search effort until the asset was eventually found.
With the implementation of RTK-enabled GPS technology, that scenario changes entirely.
By capturing precise coordinates during the locate process, crews can now map and document their network with a much higher level of accuracy. Instead of relying on outdated diagrams, they have access to real-world data that leads them directly to the asset — even in harsh conditions where visibility is limited.
Beyond improving accuracy, this shift also creates long-term value. As more assets are mapped and verified, the customer is building a reliable digital record of their network that will continue to improve operational efficiency over time.
Training plays a key role in that success.
During the Anchorage sessions, crews were able to get hands-on experience with the new equipment, ensuring they understand not just how to use the technology, but how to apply it in real-world conditions. That combination of advanced tools and practical training is what drives adoption — and ultimately delivers results.
Projects like this highlight a broader trend we’re seeing across the industry: a growing focus on data accuracy, efficiency, and reducing unnecessary field work.
At Rep Com International, we’re proud to support our partners with the solutions and expertise needed to tackle these challenges head-on — no matter the environment.
From the lower 48 to Alaska, it’s all part of delivering smarter, more reliable network solutions — coast to coast.