As a longtime engineering consultant to municipalities, Christian Birch was well aware of the challenges that local governments face in complying with complex regulations.
Spurred by the intricate data collection and reporting requirements necessary to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's “MS4” stormwater management mandate, Birch established Map Decisions in Bethlehem in May. The goal was to use technology to make compliance cheaper and more efficient. Now, after testing the company's software system in Pennsylvania municipalities, including Bethlehem, Buckingham Township, South Coventry and Lower Saucon, Map Decisions is on schedule for commercial release of its product next month.
The web-based information management system developed by Birch and his partner, Mike Hawkins, automates and streamlines the collecting, reporting and mapping of large amounts of data and images gathered by inspectors in the field using everyday smartphones and tablets. “Starting with the EPA's regulatory program, we can save municipalities costs and at the same time support an important water quality program,” says Birch.
Even in its beta phase, Map Decisions' software is being considered for applications beyond stormwater management compliance. Bethlehem is exploring its use for additional operations such as building and fire hydrant inspections. Several large engineering firms and a large energy audit company have contacted the startup, says Birch, at the same time that Map Decisions is exploring additional new markets such as the insurance industry.
“We can help any organization collect data in the field and make them much more efficient in gathering, aggregating and reporting their data,” says Birch.
“If things continue to go well, we could bring on two to five fulltime employees next year,” he adds.
Source: Christian Birch, Map Decisions
Writer: Elise Vider