In a context where the management and security of underground networks are becoming a major issue for territorial planning and security, Gironde is embarking on an innovative approach around high-precision aerial mapping. Thanks to close collaboration between Gironde network operators, public institutions and specialized companies, a cartographic base of unequaled precision is emerging, allowing optimized management of underground infrastructures. The need to have a reliable repository is becoming more and more pressing at a time when rapid urbanization, the densification of networks and the complexity of systems require a global, precise and real-time vision.
Precision aerial mapping to map all underground networks in Gironde
In 2025, Gironde will benefit from aerial mapping of exceptional definition, made possible by the use of advanced technologies such as AeroCarto and the GeoDrone. The goal? Providing a reliable digital base, allowing those involved in network management (gas, electricity, optical fiber, public lighting, water) to have a unique tool to avoid errors, anticipate work or significantly reduce accidents linked to the lack of precise information.
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LIRE L'ARTICLEThis ambitious project is based on a Topography Gironde This highly detailed imagery is based on images captured during aerial missions conducted by Aerodata France, a recognized specialist in the field. These images, taken at an altitude of 7,000 feet, offer a resolution of 5 centimeters, 16 times higher than previous data. This level of detail makes it possible, for example, to precisely identify the location of keyholes or access devices to underground networks, thus facilitating their location during construction or technical interventions. Using high-tech aircraft to cover the entire Gironde region
- Photography under optimal weather conditions, without clouds or flooded areas
- Image processing using specialized software for maximum accuracy
- Data fusion with existing maps for seamless integration
- Sharing of results via collaborative platforms such as Map4U or Insight Gironde
- The total cost of this operation, estimated at €1.9 million, demonstrates the strong commitment of the partners: the Departmental Council, Enedis, GRDF, the Régie d’électricité du sud de La Réole, and Sdeeg. This synergy allows for the development of a common repository, intended to populate a digital map base that can be consulted instantly, with regular updates for each new intervention or change in the territory.
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In 2025, the challenges of precision aerial mapping are not limited to simple operational management. They also affect risk prevention and public safety during construction work in urban or rural areas. Accurate knowledge of the location of buried utilities can prevent costly property damage, power outages, or major incidents that could endanger the lives of workers.
The anti-damage reform initiated in 2012 was a decisive turning point in the approach, requiring operators to have a reliable reference system for all underground work. For example, during earthworks for the extension of a housing estate or the construction of a new electricity pylon, it is now essential to have access to accurate and up-to-date mapping.
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CONTINUER LA LECTUREFurthermore, the collaboration within this project guarantees optimal consistency between the actual location of the pipes and their digital representation. Regular updates by surveyors or using innovative techniques such as ScanSud or Insight Gironde help reduce data disparities, avoiding any potential discrepancies that could compromise safety or work planning.
Criterion Description Accuracy 5 cm resolution, allowing for the identification of keyholes Coverage
| Division into zones, covering between 115 and 140 km² per aerial session | Partners |
|---|---|
| Network operators, local authorities, energy and water utilities | Technological tools |
| AiroDrone, ScanSud, GeoPortail | A collaborative approach for comprehensive and scalable mapping in Gironde |
| The project relies on strong synergy between several field stakeholders, who combine their skills and resources to create a coherent and scalable map. Gironde thus benefits from one of the largest collaborative efforts for | Aerial Networks |
| ; each operator can overlay their plans, which, like layers, integrate into a coherent whole. | This approach also relies on the use of technologies such as |
Géoportail
and platforms such as Map4U to facilitate data access, regular updates, and analysis. New interventions or modifications are systematically integrated, guaranteeing real-time, or near-real-time, mapping. This method significantly reduces human or technical errors during incidents by ensuring better visualization of underground networks. In fact, this cartographic database constitutes a real lever for envisioning the future of development in Gironde, enabling precise simulations for the implementation of new infrastructure, such as smart transportation or telecommunications networks. Discover the fascinating world of mapping, an innovative technique that transforms surfaces into works of art through the projection of images and videos. Explore its use in events, architecture, and entertainment. The tangible benefits of precise aerial mapping for safety and the local economy.The positive impacts of this initiative are not limited to the prevention of accidents or technical disputes. They also extend to the economic sphere, reducing costs associated with unplanned work or accidental damage. The high accuracy also reduces response times, as technicians have immediate, reliable, and up-to-date information.
For example, when constructing a new fiber optic line, precise mapping facilitates route selection, avoiding high-risk areas and optimizing the use of technical resources. Similarly, for public lighting management or the modernization of the electrical grid, this database significantly reduces errors during construction sites and, consequently, contributes to greater network resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions or incidents. The project is also part of a broader sustainable development approach. By avoiding accidental destruction or damage, it limits the environmental impact. Careful resource management and the reduction of false moves during construction contribute to the preservation of natural environments, particularly in the typical agricultural and wine-growing areas of the Gironde region. Reduced repair and restoration costs
Improved safety for workers and local residents

Minimized environmental impacts
To learn more about this approach, you can consult resources such as
the Geofoncier website
or
- the official IGN portal
- .
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoeLr-S94J8
- Frequently asked questions about aerial mapping and network management in the Gironde region
How does the accuracy of the PCRS affect construction safety? An accuracy of 5 cm allows for extremely reliable location of buried networks, reducing the risk of accidental damage and improving the safety of those involved. Who are the main stakeholders involved in this project? Network operators (Enedis, GRDF), the Departmental Council, Sdeeg, surveyors, and specialized companies such as Aerodata France.How will the mapping evolve over time?
What is the economic impact for the Gironde region?
- A significant reduction in costs related to damage, delays, and repairs, while strengthening infrastructure resilience in the face of climate change.
- Source:
- www.sudouest.fr