On-site visualization of exact location of cables and pipelines
Fluvius Challenge #1
The Challenge
Fluvius manages a vast underground network of cables and pipelines. While their location data exists, it is mainly shared through traditional maps that are often not consulted or trusted during on-site work. Workers - including contractors, municipalities, road crews, and emergency services - need a more intuitive and portable way to visualize this data directly in the field, with accurate depth, position, and technical specifications. The goal is to reduce digging errors, speed up projects, and make the network data usable for everyone who needs it.
What we're looking for
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A solution that allows users to visually locate cables and pipelines on-site,
including their exact location, depth, and properties.
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Compatible with existing map data and able to import historical location record.
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A tool that is easy to use, with a low learning curve, and designed to be intuitive even for non-digital-native workers.
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Durable, field-ready, and suitable for a wide range of users, from contractors to Fluvius technicians to local governments.
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Functional: visualize infrastructure and read/import Fluvius’ existing data formats.
Must-haves​
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Non-functional: infallible design, usable in rough conditions, low training needed.
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Open and secure: accessible to third parties (e.g. contractors) with role-based access control.
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Stimulates natural, repeated use by being better than the current default (paper plans or PDF maps).
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Display of additional metadata (e.g. pipe material, ownership, last inspection).
Nice to have
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Capability to capture corrections if a cable or pipe is found in a different location than planned.
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Ability to visualize uncertainty or shifts in infrastructure location (e.g. for flexible pipelines).
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Physical marking suggestions or drone-based deployment could add further usability.
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Too high-tech or intimidating for on-site use.
Not a fit
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Closed system with no ability to share across stakeholder organizations.
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Unreliable or insecure solution, or pricing structure that doesn’t scale.
Ideal Applicants
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Solution providers with empathy for field users and experience in co-developing with utility providers.
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Teams willing to go beyond visualization — toward usability, field testing, and co-creation.
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Technology companies experienced in GIS, AR/VR, field inspection, or industrial UX.
What Succes looks like
Fluvius rolls out a user-friendly tool that visualizes underground infrastructure clearly and intuitively, improves safety and efficiency, and is used by default during fieldwork. Lead times drop, error rates decrease, and everyone — from blue-collar contractors to emergency crews — has reliable access to the network data they need, when and where they need it.
The Challenger
Fluvius is the distribution grid system operator for electricity and natural gas in all of Flanders, as well as sewerage and heat in some towns and municipalities. In addition to connecting our customers (residential and small & medium businesses) to those grids we are preparing the grid for the energy transition and managing energy data on behalf of our customers and for the energy market. We also take care of all public lighting in the Flemish towns and municipalities.
