Database entry (SQL)
Ive recently just started a new job into its 5th week now. "Road Info" sit in the office all day with 2 others, we collect data from road survyers who go out and measure the roads thickness then send the data back to us which is instant as they drive we're seeing it on screen in the office. We then input the data into a SQL database and store it there until someone needs it*(dont be confused with MySQL different program altogether). The SQL unix program hasn't been updated since 1991 lol, but doesn't need to either, works well. I work with two monitors as we need windows as well but mainly Unix 80% of the time, one monitor is windows other is unix etc.,. Im still in training mode, learning the program as i work.
Anyways im going to bore yous to death if i haven't already
but wait it is kinda interesting
Once we get the data, govenment agencies, councils, road develeopers buy the data off us - contract it out, as the data gets old quick so its continous updating. But on that one spread sheet gives them enough info. Very important to these companies - say a timber mill wants to build in an area, well first they require the road data off us to see if the road is tough enough for logging trucks if not they get the road developers to fix that. Road info just shortens the work load, if a road is going to get a major facelift its garanteed some major company building is going up soon. Right down to the millimetre measurements is extremely important for these guys they can tell by looking at the data which is a bunch of numbers really, if the road is worthly for few more yrs or needs a facelift even if on the outside the road looks in excellent condition it dont matter if the numbers say another thing.
How they measure the road is another story.
To be honest its a interesting job I never thought i could get a buzz when i see a percentage on a road graph go from low to high and be thrilled about it!