Fuel Economy

posted by Ellen Perlman

The public works department in Clemson, S.C., is saving 350 gallons of diesel each month by using GPS systems in garbage trucks, according to USA Today.

Yes, we've written plenty about GPS. But in the frenzy to save fuel costs, government officials are looking to the left, to the right and under rocks for more ideas on how to squeeze out fuel savings. Perhaps they haven't thought lately about the potential of GPS in various government vehicles.

In Clemson, garbage collectors who drive the regular routes make note of where big items have been dragged to the curb. When the trucks go out to pick up those large items, they know exactly where to head. They use a touch screen to find the exact locations. That saves random driving around.

The story lists other places getting into GPS or considering it, including several other South Carolina cities, and municipalities in Georgia. Maybe this reminder will nudge other states and municipalities in the GPS direction.

Comments

[Tammy]

I work for the City Of Melbourne, Florida & we use GIS software for our stormwater, water & sewer utilities. GIS is diverse program with endless capabilities!! I just came from a GIS meeting and I will mention this blog at the next meeting we have. I am curious if our Sanitation Workers use GIS in this manner. Thanks for the blog.

[Ellen Perlman]

Thanks for your comment, Tammy. Are you using GIS programs you think others would like to learn about? If so, let us know.

[Tammy]

We use ESRI's ArcMap software that has different edittable feature classes (layers). I've been using this program to do MOT maps. The fire department uses it to determine their routes & closest fire extinguishers. Using this program saves time and money. I recommend ArcMap programs for utility management.