Trained archaeologist applies his skills to underground pipes
LAS CRUCES—Each year, Las Cruces Utilities recognizes outstanding achievement with its Excellence in Innovation award. One of the most recent recipients is Matt Anderson, a graphic information system analyst.
Anderson brings a unique mix of education and experience to his role with the utility. With a degree in anthropology, he started out as an archeologist, using technology to enhance his field work. “I started working with computerized mapping, and my career progressed from there,” he said. He now applies those computer mapping skills—along with an additional degree in computer science—to exploring and pinpointing the hidden infrastructure in Las Cruces. What makes his work at the utility so significant is its potential benefit to the city’s future.
“Matt has mapped out locations within inches rather than several feet, so we don’t have to continually dig up lines,” said Lucio M. Garcia, gas section administrator at LCU. “This saves us an incredible amount of time and staffing resources.”
In the past, Anderson said, “You might be able to get within 20 feet of a problematic gas line based on GPS coordinates. With the real-time differential we use, you can get much closer.” He now uses a GPS data collector to plot the exact location of underground lines. As buildings and streets change over time, updated records are immediately available to utility designers and field personnel.
“It’s really nice to know that what I do on a daily basis can impact people in a positive way, even years down the line,” he said.