Abstract: Systems for and methods of simulating facilities for use in locate operations training exercises are disclosed. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include a floor system in which one or more concealed wires may be energized to simulate underground facilities for the purpose of performing, for example, locate operations training, updating, and/or certification exercises for locate technicians. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include configurable pedestals by which either non-electric power line type of facilities and/or electric power line types of facility may be simulated. In some embodiments, simulated facilities systems may be configured manually and/or by use of a system controller.

Abstract: Training systems for and methods of simulating locate operations are provided for training and/or skills evaluation. Facility locating equipment, such as on-site computers and/or locate receivers, may include modules for electronically simulating locate operations. Locating equipment including simulation modules may be used, for example, in locate technician training processes and/or for updating and/or evaluating the skills of locate technicians. In particular, a simulation module is provided for electronically generating “virtual” facilities, the presence and/or absence of which may be indicated to a locate technician during, for example, a training exercise. The actions of the locate technicians with respect to dispensing marking material that corresponds to the presence and/or absence of the virtual facilities are electronically captured, stored, and evaluated.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of simulating facilities for use in locate operations training exercises are disclosed. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include a floor system in which one or more concealed wires may be energized to simulate underground facilities for the purpose of performing, for example, locate operations training, updating, and/or certification exercises for locate technicians. Embodiments of the simulated facilities systems include configurable pedestals by which either non-electric power line type of facilities and/or electric power line types of facility may be simulated. In some embodiments, simulated facilities systems may be configured manually and/or by use of a system controller.