The American Public Works Association (APWA), after collecting votes from public work professionals, has announced the Top Five Trending Technologies of 2023.
The list highlights trending technologies that assist public works professionals in delivering essential services to a multitude of communities. In order for a technology to be considered trending, the APWA looks at the projected impact on public works across all departments and at all levels.
“Identifying the trending technologies for public works each year is always an exciting activity. As the premier educational organization for public works professionals, APWA wants to be able to share technological solutions to help our members serve their communities,” said APWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott D. Grayson, CAE.
The 2023 Top Five Trending Technologies are:
- Drones/UAS Technology: This technology helps with bridge and sewer inspections, image integration with CAD systems, and continuous passive monitoring of power stations while saving cost.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS): GIS intersects with almost every other available public works technology.
- Asset Management Technologies: This technology leads to better planning and tracking of data, enhancing efficiency and reducing cost.
- Technologies for Field Crews: This technology improves efficiency and allows workers to utilize an office space from the field, such as pulling up a work order on the job site.
- Electric Vehicles (EV): EV's are being accelerated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with improvements to battery life, making EV's more accessible.
“Technology advances at such a rapid pace that we consistently need to evaluate how it can enhance the role of public works. Whether it’s improving safety by using drones to inspect bridges, improving our decision making by using asset management tools, or using GIS technology to figure out how many people can be housed in a facility during inclement weather, APWA’s trending technologies help our members better serve their communities,” said APWA President Keith Pugh.
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Source: APWA
