GIS Mapping for Utilities Jessica Lillie Why your utility

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GIS Mapping for Utilities
Jessica Lillie
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Why your utility needs GIS NOW!!!

• How does your system keep track of its
  underground utilities?
• As-builts and blue prints maps (decades old?)
• Several versions of the same map but none are the
  same or correct
• Operator's head
• Stacks and file cabinets full of paper copies
  lots of time sorting or finding anything
• Mapswhat maps?

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GIS Mapping Benefits

• Up-to-date visual maps
• Simple way keeping records on distribution system
  components (valves, hydrant, etc.)
• Can be applied to multiple utilities (Gas, water,
  sewer, stormwater, telecom, electric)
• Database of information incorporated with visual
  maps can be easily queried and searched
• Map features linked to pictures, documents, and
  webpages

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GIS Mapping Benefits
Photos
Paper Records
CAD
GIS
GPS
Electronic Records
System Assets
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What is GIS?

• GIS - Geographical Information System
• Most often referred to as a mapping program
• So much more than a mapping program
• Smart Mapping Program

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411 on GIS

• Takes utility system features and associates them
  Earth's surface
• Features are put into layers that are overlayed
  on top of each other
• Integrates a database of information with
  geographic visualization
• It's a mapping program with a database!!!

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Database

• Data is the core of any map and their layers
• Most important GIS asset because it underlies all
  the maps and analysis
• A database can contain any information or
  attribute about a utility system feature
• Information is stored in a table for query and
  analysis

A database is as good as the information the user
provides!!
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City's Data

• Paper and electronic records for system assets
  can be incorporated into one place.the database
• Piping
• Diameter, length, type, location, etc.
• Valves
• Size, Type, Date Installed, Inspection Date,
  Location, etc.
• Hydrants
• Number, Size, Install date, Flow, Location, etc.
• ANYTHING!!!!

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Data Analysis

• Questions are possible if the data is there to
  answer it
• With the push of a few buttons, a utility can
  easily answer questions
• Where are my shutoff valves that will isolate a
  water line leak?
• Who are the nearest property owners that will be
  affected by a water main break?
• Where are the smallest water mains in the
  distribution system?
• Where are pressure problems in the system?
• The list of query possibilities goes on!

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GIS Components

• Base Map
• City's Data in database form
• Analysis Method and Tools

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Basemap

• Layers can be overlaid and can be viewed in any
  order
• Layers can be moved around and turned on or off

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Basemap

• Aerial Photo
• Streets
• City Limits
• Parcel Data

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What GIS is not!

• GIS has many benefits but there are many cons
• Basic computer skills are needed
• Training is needed to use the program
• Can be expensive to purchase
• Need multiple licenses for multiple users
• Frequent upgrades and changes
• Difficult for small utilities to benefit from GIS
  with these significant cons!!

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• Are there any other options for small utilities?

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IAMU's Program

• Goal - to provide our small utility members with
  a low cost option to electronically keep track of
  their system
• Simple, straight forward mapping
• Complete mapping and database in ArcView 9.3
• Convert AutoCad to ArcView 9.3 and build a
  database
• Incorporate GPS data provided by the system
• Provide the ArcView files to the utility to
  maintain on their own
• Provide support for future system changes

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• How can small utilities take advantage of mapping
  technology without needing expensive software and
  a GIS expert on staff to keep the maps up to date?

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fGIS

• fGIS Forestry GIS
• Simple software to create maps, query data, and
  edit data
• Designed to be user friendly and non-GIS
  specialists
• Simple to install, runs on most computers and
  laptops
• ArcView/ArcGIS and other commercial software
  compatible
• It's FREE!!!!!!

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• If your current scenario involves the following,
  please call IAMU immediately!!!
• Rock tablet chipped records
• Maps dating back to prehistoric ages
• Records?? The only records I have are my
  criminal records!!

Call IAMU
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• Look for upcoming IAMU GIS workshops this winter!
• Thank you!
• Jessica Lillie
• IAMU
• 515-289-1999
• www.iamu.org