NL2009650C2

NL2009650C2 - Device, system and method for providing sewer system information.

Info

Publication number: NL2009650C2
Application number: NL2009650A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Maria Moons
Original assignee: Johannes Maria Moons
Priority date: 2012-10-17
Filing date: 2012-10-17
Publication date: 2014-04-22

Description

P99282NL00

Title: Device, system and method for providing sewer system information

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a device, system and method for providing sewer system information to a user.

5 BACKGROUND

The sewer network is generally well charted. In addition, much information is stored about the nature of the network, such as piping materials and dimensions, damages, etc.. Hence, work performed in relation to the sewer network can generally be planned and prepared using this 10 information. In work preparation the information deemed necessary for the work is gathered and provided to the worker to take to the location. The information relating to the sewer network is however generally stored in a distributed fashion at various locations, in various formats. Further, the amount of data is huge. Therefore, gathering the information in preparation 15 of the work or inspection can be a time-consuming task itself.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention is to improve the gathering of available information relevant to the work or inspection.

20 Thereto, according to the invention is provided a handheld device for providing sewer network information, the device including a display unit, an input unit, a communications unit, a locator unit and a processing unit. The locator unit is arranged for determining a position of the device. The device is arranged for transmitting information representative of the 25 determined location to a sewer information server. The device is arranged for receiving from the sewer information server sewer network information related to the sewer network in a location area surrounding the determined 2 location. The device is arranged for displaying, on the display unit, a map of the location area surrounding the determined location and a graphical representation of the sewer network information in overlay. Hence, the device can provide sewer network information relating to the location where 5 the device is actually present, i.e. the location where the user actually uses the device and requires the sewer network information. Therefore, there is no need to search for the relevant data. Moreover, the device allows easy reference of the sewer network information in relation to the actual location by providing the overlay. Further, the device allows easy access to 10 additional information e.g. in response to unexpected findings on site.

Optionally, the sewer network information includes locations of piping of the sewer network. Hence, the sewer network information presents coordinates of the sewer network which can be related to coordinates of the map. Optionally the sewer network information includes locations of nodes. 15 Such nodes can be interconnection points of piping. Such nodes can include manholes drains, house connections, pumps gutters or the like.

Optionally, the map of the location area surrounding the determined location corresponds to a geographically limited area of interest in view of the work being performed. The location area surrounding the 20 location of the device can correspond to one street, a portion of a street, or a single block. Hence, the amount of data downloaded by the device is limited to the area of direct interest in view of the work being performed.

Optionally, the sewer network information includes additional information, such as alphanumerical information, graphical information 25 and/or video and photo information. Hence, additional information can be obtained from the sewer information server so as to allow the user to adapt the available information to the situation at the location where he is present. Optionally, the device is arranged for switching from displaying the locations of piping and manholes to displaying the additional information, or 30 vice versa, when the user taps a side of the device and/or shakes the device.

3

Optionally, the display unit and input unit include a touch screen. Hence a particularly intuitively operable device can be provided. Optionally, the device is arranged for displaying the additional information in response to a user touching an indication of the additional information on the touch 5 screen. Hence, an interactive device is provided in which the user can request the display of relevant information. In combination with the overlay, an interactive map is provided which allows for highly efficient assessment of the situation and comparison with available information in situ.

10 Optionally the device is arranged for playing a video recording of a portion of the sewer network in response to the user making a swiping gesture along the graphical representation of that portion. Preferably, the device is arranged for playing the video recording such that the location of consecutive frames of the played recording progresses in the direction of the 15 swiping gesture. Hence, a highly intuitive way of displaying available video recordings of portions of the sewer network is provided.

Optionally, the device is arranged for in a first mode displaying the map of a location area surrounding the determined location and the sewer network information in overlay, and in a second mode displaying a 20 cross sectional representation of the sewer network. The cross sectional view can be beneficial is assessing potential problems with the sewer network. Optionally, the device is arranged for operating in the first mode when the device is being held substantially horizontally and for operating in the second mode when the device is being held substantially vertically. Herein 25 substantially horizontally may be less than 45 degrees, e.g. less than 30 degrees, and substantially vertically may be more than 45 degrees, e.g. more than 60 degrees with respect to purely horizontal. It is also possible that the first and second mode are displayed side by side on the display unit.

Optionally, the device is arranged for transmitting information 30 representative of the determined location to a distribution server, wherein 4 the device is arranged for receiving from the distribution server a network address of a sewer information server associated with the determined location. Hence, the device need not know itself which sewer information server of a plurality of sewer information servers can provide the 5 information relating to the location where the device is located.

Optionally, the device is arranged for aligning the sewer network information with the map. This provides the advantage that coordinates of the sewer network, e.g. taken from the sewer information server, are matched with coordinates of the map.

10 The invention also relates to a sewer information server including a communications unit and a processing unit and having a sewer information database associated therewith. The sewer information server is arranged for receiving an information request including a location indication, and in response to that request transmitting sewer network 15 information related to the sewer network in a location area surrounding the determined location.

The invention also relates to a system for providing sewer network information including such handheld device and such sewer information server.

20 Optionally, the system includes a map server, wherein the device is arranged for transmitting its location to the map server. The map server is arranged for in response thereto transmitting map information relating the location area surrounding the determined location to the device. According to the invention is also provided a method according t o claim 13 25 and a computer program product according to claim 24.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now further be elucidates referring to the drawing in which 5

Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows an example of a map view;

Fig. 3 shows an example of a map view; 5 Fig. 4 shows an example of an additional information view;

Fig. 5A shows an example of a map view;

Fig. 5B shows an example of a legend;

Fig. 6 shows an example of a video view;

Fig. 7 A shows an example of a map view; 10 Fig. 7B shows an example of a damage type view;

Fig. 8 shows an example of longitudinal profile view; and

Fig. 9 shows an example of an inspection view.

In the figures like reference numerals refer to like entities or 15 processes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a system 100 providing sewer network information to a user. The system includes a handheld device 1.

20 The user travels to the location of interest. This can be a location where work has to be carried out with respect to a portion of a sewer network, an inspection has to be performed, a calamity has occurred, or the like. The user carries the handheld device 1 for providing sewer network information to the location of interest.

25 The device 1 includes a processing unit 2, a locator unit 4, a communications unit 6, a display unit 8 and an input unit 10. In this example, the display unit 8 and the input unit 10 are combined in a touch screen. The device 1 is battery powered, and therefore includes a, optionally rechargeable, battery.

6

The processing unit 2 instructs the locator unit 4 to determine the current location of the device 1. The locator unit 4 can for instance use Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar systems such as GLONASS, BeiDou, DORIS, Galileo, IRNSS, QZSS, or determine its position from 5 information relating to nearby and/or serving cells in a communications network, as is known in the art. In this example, the communications unit 6 transmits (information representative of) the determined location to a communications unit 28 of a distribution server 12. This transmitting can e.g. be performed using Internet Protocol (IP). It will be appreciated that it 10 may be required to log in to the distribution server 12, e.g. using a user name and/or password.

The distribution server 12 has a distribution database 14 associated therewith. The database 14 includes network address information of a plurality of sewer information servers 16. It is noted that in 15 Fig. 1 two sewer information servers 16 are drawn, but there can be many more sewer information servers 16. Each sewer information server 16 has a sewer information database 18 associated therewith, storing sewer network information of a particular location area. These sewer information servers 16 can be associated e.g. with municipalities on which grounds a sewer 20 network is positioned, or e.g. with companies. The distribution database 14 further includes for each of the sewer information servers information indicating a location area covered by that respective sewer information server 16. The distribution server 12, or a processing unit 30 thereof, selects from the distribution database 14 the sewer information server 16 (or sewer 25 information servers) associated with the determined location of the device 1. The distribution server 12 transmits a network address of the selected sewer information server 16 to the device 1. The distribution server 12 can also transmit login information, required for accessing information from the selected sewer information server 16, to the device 1. Alternatively, or 30 additionally, login information may be stored in the device 1, or entered on 7 the input unit 10 by the user. The login information may be dependent on an authorisation level associated with the device 1 or with the user of the device 1. Alternatively, or additionally, the sewer information server 16 may apply different levels of authorisation.

5 The device 1 logs in on the selected sewer information server 16.

This may be performed in the background, and the user need not be notified of the login procedure. Now the device 1 has access to sewer network information stored in the sewer information database 18 associated with the sewer information server 16. The sewer information server 16 can provide 10 access to different datasets depending on a level of authorisation of the device 1 and/or the user. For instance, the sewer information server 16 can provide a freely accessible limited dataset to all users (e.g. “guest” logins), and increasingly detailed datasets depending on the level of authorisation.

In this example, the device 1 further transmits its location to a 15 communications unit 36 of a map server 20. The map server 20 has a map database 22 associated therewith. The map database 22 includes maps or map portions. The maps can be cartographic maps and/or photographic maps. The map server 20, or a processing unit 38 thereof, selects map information relating to a map portion associated with a location area 20 surrounding the determined location of the device 1 from the map database 22. The communications unit 38 of the map server 20 transmits the map information to the device 1. The device 1 displays the map portion on the display unit 8. It will be appreciated that retrieving the map portion from the map server is known in the art. For instance “Google Maps” provides a 25 displayable map portion surrounding the determined location of a device. It is also possible that the displayable map portion is provided by a local map server. Such local map server may e.g. be associated with a local map database e.g. of a municipality. Often, aerial photos in such local map database are more up to date than aerial photos in a general large area map 30 database. In such case it is possible that the distribution server 12 checks 8 the availability and selects and transmits the network address of a local map server associated with the determined location to the device 1. Again login information may be transmitted to the device by the distribution server 12. Alternatively, or additionally, login information may be stored in 5 the device 1, or entered on the input unit 10 by the user. The local map server may also include cartographic maps, such as a “grootschalige basiskaart” (GBK). It will be appreciated that it is possible that the device 1 includes a memory 24 storing a map of the location of interest, so that the device need not download map information from the map server 20, 10 however, this is not preferred from a point of view of memory consumption and memory management. It is also possible that the map server 20 is integrated with the sewer information server 16.

The device 1 transmits its location to a communications unit 32 of the sewer information server 16. The sewer information server 16, or a 15 processing unit 34 thereof, extracts from the sewer information database 18 sewer network information of a location area surrounding the location of the device 1. The communications unit 32 of the sewer information server 16 transmits this information to the device 1. In practice, the location area surrounding the location of the device 1 can correspond to one street, a 20 portion of a street, or a single block. In this embodiment, the sewer information server 16 in a first transmission sends sewer network information including locations, e.g. coordinates, of piping. The sewer network information in this example further includes coordinates of nodes, such as interconnections between piping, manholes, drains, house 25 connections, pumps, gutters, etc.. A graphical representation of this sewer network information is displayed on the display unit 8. The piping and nodes form part of (the local portion of) a sewer network. In this example, the processing unit 2 is arranged to process the map information and the sewer network information together. Here, the processing unit 2 overlays a 30 graphical representation of the sewer network over the map and displays 9 this combined image on the display unit 8. This overlaid image is also termed map view herein. It will be clear that such overlay includes a matching of the scale and coordinates of the map and the sewer network. This provides the user with a reference where piping and nodes are located 5 in relation to the actual location where the user with the device 1 is present.

Fig. 2 shows an example of a device 1 wherein display unit 8 shows a combined map including the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 overlaid over the cartographic map 42. In this example, the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network includes piping 10 portions 44 and nodes 46.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a device 1 wherein display unit 8 shows the combined map including the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network overlaid over the photographic map 48. In this example, the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network includes piping portions 15 44 and nodes 46.

In practice, it may occur that the locator unit 4 has limited accuracy. As a result, the map information received from the map server 20 may be geographically offset with respect to the sewer network information received from the sewer information server 16. The processing unit 2 20 therefore, is arranged to calibrate the geographical position of the device 1. In this example, the calibration includes the user manually translating the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 with respect to the displayed map 42, 28. It will be appreciated that it is also possible to translate the map 42, 48 with respect to the graphical representation 40 of 25 the sewer network 50.

In the example, the map includes a photographical map 48, e.g. an aerial photograph, as shown in Fig. 3 although a cartographic map 42 is also possible as shown in Fig. 2. The user selects the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50, in this example by prolonged 30 touching of the representation, e.g. until the device 1 acknowledges, such as 10 by sound or vibration, the representation being selected. When the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 has been selected it can be translated, e.g. by dragging it over the touch screen 8, 10. For calibration the user can drag the representation 40 such that a first visible feature of 5 the sewer network, here a first manhole 46, in the representation coincides with a visible feature, here manhole, in the map 42/48. The processing unit 2 then fixes the location of the manhole 46 in the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 with the visible manhole in the map 42/48. This process can be repeated for a second feature, such as a second manhole 46.

10 When two visible features, e.g. manholes 46, in the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 are fixed with respect to two visible features, e.g. manholes, in the map 42/48, the graphical representation of the sewer network and the map are aligned and the calibration is complete. In an embodiment, the processing unit 2 is arranged 15 for autonomously determining the location of visible features, such as manholes, in the map by means of pattern recognition and for automatically translating the graphical representation of the sewer network to overlap one or more (preferably two) visible features, such as manholes.

In this example, a steady mode is used wherein when the 20 combined map 40, 42/48 is displayed on the display unit 8, the combined map is not refreshed until the user gives a specific instruction to do so. In this way, a solid reference is provided to the user, wherein the map is not constantly moving upon every movement of the device 1. This may be of benefit when performing work. In an alternative mode, the combined map 25 40, 42/48 is moved with every movement of the device 1. This may be particularly beneficial when searching for a specific location or condition. It is also possible that the user scrolls the combined map 40, 42/48 across the display, e.g. by touching and dragging the map on the touch screen 8, 10, so as to display areas of the map/network that were previously hidden beyond 30 the edge of the display 8. It is also possible that the user zooms in or out, 11 e.g. by a pinching movement on the touch screen 8, 10. It will be appreciated that scrolling and/or zooming may require downloading information from the sewer information server 16 and/or the map server 20. It is also possible that a secondary area surrounding the area displayed on the display is 5 downloaded and stored in memory to act as a buffer in case of zooming and/or scrolling.

In this embodiment, the sewer information server 16 in a second transmission sends additional sewer network information to the device 1. The additional sewer network information may e.g. include information 10 relating to repairs, damages, piping diameter, piping material, manhole dimension, etc.. This provides the advantage that while the user is getting oriented with the locations of piping 44 and nodes, such as manholes 46, the additional information can be loaded in the background. It is also possible that such information is retrieved from the sewer information server 16 15 upon request by the device 1 when the user attempts to access such information. The latter is especially beneficial in order to limit the amount of data downloaded by the device 1 to only the data requested by the user.

In this example, the display unit 8 of the device 1 shows an overlay of the graphical representation 40 of the sewer network 50 on the 20 map 42/48. The user can access additional sewer information relating to the sewer network at (or near) the location where the device 1 is present.

Such additional information can relate to alphanumerical information, such as the material, diameter, construction date, next cleaning date, sewer system type (combined, stormwater, or sanitation), etc. 25 of the piping portion/node. In this example, when the user taps (briefly touches) on the graphical representation of a piping portion or a manhole the additional information is displayed on the touch screen. The additional information may be displayed in a predetermined portion of the display and/or in a pop-up window. For example, when the user taps on the 30 graphical representation of a piping portion 44’ in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 the device 12 may display the information shown in Fig. 4. The processing unit 2 may be arranged to present a settings menu in which the user may indicate which types of additional information he wishes to be visible.

Fig. 5A shows an alternative example in which the graphical 5 representation 40 of the portion of the sewer network 50 is displayed colour coded. Fig. 5B shows the legend 52 associated with the colour coding. In this example, the colour coding relates to the diameter of piping portions 44.

Such additional information may also relate to graphical information, such as a photograph of an exterior or interior of a piping 10 portion 44, a drain and/or a manhole 46, of a surrounding, of a tree, or the like.

Such additional information may also relate to video information, such as a video survey along a length of piping 44. In this example, when the user performs a swiping gesture along the graphical representation 40 of 15 a length of piping portion 44 on the touch screen 8, 10 a video is played of a survey of the corresponding piping portion. Fig. 6 shows an example of video playback. If video recordings are available recorded in both directions of the piping portion 44, in this example the video is selected which has been recorded in the direction corresponding to the direction of the swiping 20 gesture. If only a video recording is available recorded in one direction, that video recording may be played regardless of the swipe direction. If only a video recording is available recorded in one direction, that video recording may be played in forward or backward direction corresponding to the swipe direction. In this example, the video is played such that consecutively 25 displayed frames correspond to consecutive locations in the direction of the swiping gesture. The video information may be displayed in a predetermined portion of the display 8 or in a pop-up window. In this example, the video information is streaming video. This provides the advantage that not the entire video fragment needs to be downloaded prior 30 to starting playback. Preferably, the video playback area on the display is 13 provided with controls for pause, play, (time)scrolling, audio level, and/or settings. The video playback may be performed in full screen mode, and may include providing a control to return to the map view. If the video playback is interrupted by returning to the map view, the video playback may be 5 paused so as to resume playing at (or close to) that frame when returning to displaying the video playback. The control to switch from map view to video playback may be a button. Alternatively, or additionally, the control may be formed by the device performing the switching in response to tapping a side of the device 1 or shaking the device 1.

10 In this example, the map view displays an indicator indicating the position along a piping portion corresponding to the location displayed in the video playback at that time. By tapping the indicator the user can start or pause the video playback, respectively. The user can slide the indicator along the graphical representation 40 of the piping portion 44, by dragging 15 the indictor on the touch screen 8, 10, which causes the video playback to jump to the frame in the video recording corresponding to the location of the indicator.

In this example, the additional information includes damage indications. A dedicated damage type symbol 54 is associated with each type 20 of damage. The damage type symbol 54 can be displayed in the map view at the location corresponding to the location where the damage has been recorded as shown in Fig. 7A. In this example, the processing unit 2 is arranged to display a list of damage types, e.g. with their corresponding symbols as shown in Fig. 7B. In this example, the user can check or uncheck 25 boxes 56 associated with each of the damage types. The processing unit 2 then causes to display only damage type symbols 54 of damage types that have been checked, and to suppress symbols of damage types that have not been checked. The device 1 in this example is arranged to switch between the map view and the display of the list of damage types by tapping a side of 30 the device 1 or by shaking the device 1. For example, the user can check the 14 box 56’ for the damage type “penetration by roots” and check whether a tree is located near a location corresponding to a displayed symbol 54’ of penetration by roots in the map view. The damage indication associated with a displayed damage type symbol can have further information 5 associated therewith, such as a damage report, a photograph, and/or a video recording. The user can access this further information, for instance by tapping the damage type symbol at that specific location in the touch screen 8, 10.

The additional information can also include a determined 10 longitudinal profile of a depth of a piping portion below a (reference) surface level as shown in Fig. 8.

In this example, when the display unit 8 is maintained approximately horizontal, the map view is displayed in top view. By tilting the display unit 8 to approximately vertical an inspection view is displayed. 15 It is however, also possible to switch between map view and inspection view in alternative fashions. For instance, it is possible that the map view is displayed when the device 1 is held in “portrait” orientation, while the inspection view is displayed when the device 1 is held in “landscape” orientation. It is also possible to switch between map view and inspection 20 view by use of a control such as a button, slider, dedicated gesture, shaking etc..

Fig. 9 shows an example of an inspection view. In this inspection view, a cross sectional view 58 of a piping portion 44 at that location is shown, as well as the overhead surface 60, e.g. of a road or pavement. This 25 may include a depth 62 of the piping portion 44 below the surface. In the inspection view also the additional information can be displayed. It is for instance possible that the damage indications are displayed, e.g. including photographs, or the alphanumerical information, such as diameter, material, etc., or video information (or a still frame of the video information 30 relating to that location). In the inspection view, the cross sectional view 58 15 of the piping portion 44 may include an indication of a filling level 64 of the piping portion at that location as a result of a predetermined amount of rain. The predetermined amount of rain may e.g. correspond to heavy rain fall that only occurs once or twice per year. The displayed filling level 64 is 5 an indication to the user whether or not water should be expected on the surface. If the displayed filling level 64 is well below the overhead surface 60, and nevertheless water remains at the surface, the user has an indication that a non-normal situation occurs and can look for nearby potential causes such as a subsidence in the surface, the presence of large 10 trees, clogged drains/manholes or the like.

The device 1 may also be arranged for accessing a meteo server for obtaining information e.g. on the amount of rain fallen at the location of the device in a predetermined past amount of time. The user can then assess whether a determined amount of flooding would have to be expected 15 in view of the fallen amount of rain.

The device 1 in this example is also arranged for uploading new information to a data server, e.g. to the sewer information server it is currently logged in to.

The user can input alphanumerical information, such as a 20 damage report or a flooding report, on the input unit 10 and upload this information to the data server. The user can also take a photograph, e.g. with a built in digital camera 26 of the device 1, or draw a picture and upload it to the data server. The user can also record a video, e.g. with the built in digital camera 26 of the device 1, and upload it to the data server.

25 The data server stores this information in association with the location of the device 1.

When the location of the device 1 coincides with the location of a water pumping station, the sewer information server 16 can provide specific information on the pumping station, such as pump capacity, on-off levels, 30 actual pump status (pump in motion or not), filling level, malfunctions, etc..

16

The user can upload information such as malfunctions, repair reports, etc.. In a special embodiment, the device 1 includes controls for controlling the pumping station, such as switching the pump on or off.

It will be appreciated that different sewer information servers 16 5 may provide sewer information in different formats. In one embodiment the device 1 includes a conversion unit 66 for converting such different formats into one (or more) format that can be processed by the processing unit 2.

In the foregoing, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be 10 evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention.

In the examples, a top view map is shown in the map view. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that a three dimensional map view is used, such as a 3D photographic map. In such embodiment, the processing 15 unit may be arranged to overlay the graphical representation of the sewer network with the three dimensional map. The processing unit may be arranged to cause display of the three dimensional map in correspondence with a determined location and orientation of the device. Hence, the map displayed on the display substantially corresponds to the real life location 20 when viewed in the direction of the display. Hence, the user may move the device around to “see” the location of the sewer network in three dimensions.

It will be appreciated that the device can also be provided by executing a dedicated software program on a programmable apparatus such 25 as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

It will be appreciated that the processing units 2, 30, 34, 38, locator unit 4 and/or communications units 6, 28, 32, 36 can be embodied as dedicated electronic circuits, possibly including software code portions. The processing units 2, 30, 34, 38, locator unit 4 and/or communications units 6, 17 28, 32, 36 can also be embodied as software code portions executed on, and e.g. stored in a memory of, a programmable apparatus such as a computer.

It will be appreciated that the device 1 can log in to the distribution server 12, sewer information server 16 and/or map server 20 5 and remain logged in for the duration of a session. It is also possible that the device logs in to the distribution server 12, sewer information server 16 and/or map server 20 each time it needs to access data from the respective server.

In the examples the device transmits its determined location 10 directly to the sewer information server. It will be appreciated that it is also possible that the device transmits its location to the sewer information server indirectly, e.g. via the distribution server. Similarly, it is possible that the device transmits its location to the map server directly or indirectly. Accordingly, it is also possible that the device retrieves the sewer 15 network information from (one of) the sewer information server(s) via the distribution server.

However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

20 In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those fisted in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a 25 plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

A handheld device (1) for providing sewer network information, the device comprising a display unit (8), an input unit (10), a communication unit (6), a locating unit (4), and a processing unit (2), 5 wherein the locating unit (4) is arranged to determine a location of the device (1), the device being adapted to send information representative of the determined location to a sewer information server (16), the device being adapted to receiving the sewer information server (16) sewer network information related to the sewer network (50) in a location area surrounding the determined location, and wherein the apparatus is arranged to display, on the display unit (8), a map (42.48) ) of the location area that surrounds the determined location and a graphical representation (40) of the sewer network information in overlay.

The handheld device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sewer network information comprises locations of pipelines (44) of the sewer network (50). 20

The handheld device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sewer network information comprises locations of nodes, such as sewer pits (46), drains, home connections, pumps, and / or drains.

Handheld device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the sewer network information comprises additional information, such as alphanumeric information, graphic information and / or video information.

The handheld device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the display unit (8) and the input unit (10) comprise a touch screen, and wherein the device (1) is adapted to display the additional information in response to touching by a user of an indication of the additional information on the touch screen. 10

The handheld device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the device is adapted to play a video recording of a part of the sewer network in response to the user making a swipe movement along the graphic representation of that part. 15

The handheld device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the device is adapted to play the video recording so that the location of consecutive images of the played recording continues in the direction of the wipe movement. 20

A handheld device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to display in a first mode the map (42, 48) of a location area surrounding the determined location and the sewer network information in overlay, and in a second mode of displaying a cross-sectional view of the sewer network.

The handheld device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to send information representative of the determined location to a distribution server (12). wherein the device is adapted to receive from the distribution server (12) a network address of a sewer information server (16) associated with the determined location.

The handheld device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is adapted to align the sewer network information with the card (42, 48).

A sewer information server (16) comprising a communication unit 10 (32) and a processing unit (34) and having a sewer information database (18) associated therewith, wherein the server is adapted to receive an information request including a location indication, and in response to this request sending sewer network information related to the sewer network in a location area that surrounds the particular location.

A system (100) for providing sewer network information comprising a handheld device (1) according to any one of claims 1-10 and a sewer information server (16) according to claim 11.

The system (100) of claim 12 further comprising a map server (20), wherein the device (1) is adapted to send its location to the map server, and wherein the map server is arranged to send to the device in response thereto of map information corresponding to the location area surrounding the determined location.

A method for providing sewer network information to a user of a handheld device (1), comprising the steps of: determining a location of the device (1), sending, by the device, information representative of the determined location to a sewer information server (16), receiving, by the device, the sewer information server (16) of sewer network information related to the sewer network (50) in a location area 5 surrounding the determined location, and displaying, on a display unit (8) of the device (1), a map (42, 48) of the location area surrounding the determined location and a graphical representation (40) of the sewer network information in overlay.

The method of claim 14, wherein the sewer network information comprises locations of pipelines (44) of the sewer network (50).

A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the sewer network information comprises locations of nodes, such as sewer pits (46), drainage channels, home connections, pumps, and / or drains.

A method according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the sewer network information comprises additional information, such as alphanumeric information, graphic information and / or video information. 20

The method of claim 17, wherein the display unit (8) comprises a touch screen, and wherein the method comprises displaying the additional information in response to a user touching an indication of the additional information on the touch screen. 25

The method of claim 18, further comprising playing video recordings of a part of the sewer network (50) in response to the user making a swipe movement along the graphical representation of that part. 30

The method of claim 19, further comprising playing the video recording so that the location of consecutive images of the playback is proceeded in the direction of the wipe motion.

The method of any one of claims 17-20, further comprising switching the map (42, 48) from the location area surrounding the determined location and a graphical representation (40) of the sewer network information in overlay to the display of the additional information, or vice versa, when the user slaps a side of the device 10 and / or shakes the device.

A method according to any of claims 14-21, further comprising displaying in a first mode the map (42, 48) of a location area surrounding the determined location and the sewer network information in overlay, and in a second mode displaying a cross-sectional view of the sewer network.

The method of claim 22, further comprising operating in the first mode when the device (1) is held substantially horizontal and operating in the second mode when the device is held substantially vertical.

24. Method according to any of claims 14-23, further comprising sending, by the device (1), information representative of the determined location to a distribution server (12), and receiving, by the device (1), the distribution server (12) of a network address of a sewer information server (16) associated with the determined location.

The method of any one of claims 14-24, further comprising aligning the sewer network information with the map (42, 48).

26. Computer program product adapted to be executed on a handheld programmable device, adapted to perform when executed on said handheld programmable device of the steps of: determining a location of the device (1), sending, by the device, of information representative of the determined location on a sewer information server (16), receiving, by the device, the sewer information server (16) of sewer network information related to the sewer network in a location area surrounding the determined location, and displaying, on a display unit (8) of the device (1), of a map (42, 48) of the location area surrounding the determined location and a graphical representation (40) of the sewer network information in overlay.