Leveraging Grid’s Advanced GIS Functionality for Efficient Asset Management

In this article, we will explore how Grid’s Advanced GIS functionality can be used by utility companies to enhance their operational efficiency across sub-sectors- water, gas and electricity. During the course of undertaking various projects, utilities often face a familiar foe- managing the vast network of assets, and all that, while having to ensure uninterrupted business continuity and service reliability. The complexity of these networks, coupled with the ever growing need for real-time data and effective decision making can be overwhelming for even the most skilled teams. This is where Grid steps in, with a standout feature that addresses these challenges head on and empowering teams to visualize their entire operational assets within one cohesive solution.  

Understanding GIS Functionality

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) provides utilities with the ability to capture, integrate and visualize data related to their assets and manage spatial data effectively. With features designed for field data collection, seamless integration of other systems, and robust mapping systems, Grid Advanced GIS functionality equips utility teams- whether it is IT, frontline operations or management, with the insights to make informed decisions quickly and in a strategic manner. 

How does Grid work with GIS information?

Field data collection with surveys

Configurable mobile application for surveys

With Grid’s configurable mobile application, capturing GIS data- like exact meter coordinates becomes a breeze. Even in areas of low connectivity or no network, no matter where the assets are located, teams can ensure accurate data collection without interruptions. 

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Location capture with accuracy restriction

In utilities, when it comes to recording data about fixed assets like valves or transformers, accuracy is key. Grid’s platform enables the essay capturing the precise location of these assets and other related GIS data can be imported from existing lists. Whether one is dealing with electric utilities and their substations or gas and water utilities with pipelines and pressure monitoring systems, they can be assured that the data will be spot on. 

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Map-based phone entries

Grid allows field staff to select location directly on the map interface to make entries. This not only accelerates the process of logging GIS data but also eliminates guesswork, ensuring every asset is accurately mapped to its correct location. 

Location data uploads and integrations

CSV uploads

With Grid, transitioning from legacy systems is no longer a challenge. The solution allows the migration of large datasets, containing hundreds or even thousands of coordinate locations and their associated details via file uploads- information such as equipment type or consumer reference numbers. Be it direct integration from legacy software or APIs connecting to external databases- Grid makes it a seamless migration journey. 

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Direct integrations

Grid also supports industry standard shapefile formats, which means that teams can easily ingest data created via a dedicated GIS software like QGIS or ArcGIS. With this flexibility, utilities can continue to leverage their existing GIS investments while enhancing their operational capabilities. 

Mapping using Grid’s GIS

Customizable dashboards

Grid’s utility data management solution supports a variety of dashboard widgets that can display GIS information. This data can be cross-referenced with any other data in Grid, such as real-time equipment status, billing history, load and peak statistics for location, etc. 

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Map-based diagrams

Utilities can also create advanced network diagrams using the GIS information on each node in the network. This feature allows them to create diagrams and maps highlighting relationships between different nodes, for instance, how feeder lines are connected to transformers and the subsequent supply of power to consumer meters.  

Transforming Operations and Maintenance with Grid’s GIS

The advantages of Grid’s GIS for utility operations goes beyond mapping, significantly impacts the aspect of maintenance and diagnostics. With field staff being able to identify precise locations of faults or unresponsive equipment, they can quickly provide diagnostics to areas that need attention, saving time and reducing costs associated with prolonged outages or inefficient resource allocation. 

Grid’s visualization capabilities also allows utilities to plan or schedule maintenance strategically in geographical clusters.  Technicians can now be deployed more efficiently, and they can maximize their productivity by addressing multiple issues in close proximity instead of spreading them out over a wide area. 

Real-World Applications for Grid’s Advanced GIS Functionality

To better understand how all of this comes together, let us consider two scenarios- creating a network hierarchy map for an electrical utility and a pipeline map for a gas utility.   

Creating a Network Hierarchy Map

A network hierarchy map using Grid serves as a comprehensive visual representation of electricity distribution assets within a specified region. It provides clarity on how these assets interconnect, allowing stakeholders to understand the flow of electricity from generation to consumption. 

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Gathering essential data

To create this map, utilities need to collect key information:
1. GPS coordinates: The latitude and the longitude of each asset being monitored 

2. Asset metadata: Information about assets, such as type, serial number, and other relevant details

3. Relational data: Details highlighting how the assets are interconnected- which tension feeder lines are supplying transformers and how transformers distribute electricity to consumer meters. 

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Data collection methods

There are two ways to gather information:

1. Manual data collection: The field staff can conduct indexing surveys by visiting each asset location and recording the data. This activity can be planned concurrently with other tasks that call for a field visit, like the replacement of traditional meters with smart meters. 
2. Ingesting/importing data: If the data is already available in digital format, it can be ingested into Grid via file uploads (CSV, XML) or integration with existing systems like SharePoint. APIs can also connect Grid to third-party servers for seamless data transfer. 

Once the data is collected, it can be sanitized and organized within Grid’s platform. As long as there is a unique reference number that ties multiple entries together, like a customer number- it is possible to link different datasets. For example, consumer billing information which is stored in one system can be connected to GIS data regarding meter installations. 

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Setting up the visualization

With the information set in place, setting up visualization becomes straightforward. With Grid’s dashboarding engine, utilities can create map widgets that point to the worksheet containing GIS information for each asset. 

1. Display rules: With Grid, utilities can establish display rules to highlight different asset types using unique visual markers. Let’s say, high-tension feeders might be represented by one color while transformers are shown via another, allowing for immediate visual identification. 
2. Establishing relationships: To illustrate how different assets are interconnected, utilities can set rules that reference the relationship information within their linked data. If there is a column that specifies which feeder each transformer is linked with, that can be visually presented  as lines connecting the transformers to  their respective feeders. 

Creating a Pipeline Map for Gas Distribution

The creation of a pipeline map for gas utilities follows a similar process but within the context of gas distribution systems. The map displays key components like main pipelines, branch pipelines, valves, pumping stations, and consumer meters. 

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Gathering essential data

To create an effective pipeline map, utilities need to collect:

1. Geospatial data: GPS coordinates for pipelines, valves, stations, meters, etc.
2. Asset metadata: Necessary information like pipeline types, capacities, serial numbers and operational status. 
3. Relational data: details highlighting which pipelines supply specific valves and consumer meters along with connections to pressure regulation and monitoring stations. 

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Data collection methods

Data collection takes place via:

1. Field surveys: The field staff can gather geospatial information during routine maintenance checks or installation of smart gas meters. This is done by recording GPS coordinates and metadata of relevant assets. 
2. Importing legacy data: Existing information from other systems (Excel Sheets or MS SharePoint) can be imported into Grid using file uploads or API integrations. 

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Visualizing the Pipeline Map

Once the data is captured, it can be visualized using Grid’s map widget:

1. Pipeline layout visualization: Grid’s map widget can be directed to the worksheet containing pipeline data. The pipelines are represented as lines on the map and can also be color coded based on their diameter or gas pressure levels. 
2. Valves and monitoring stations: Operational assets such as valves or pressure monitoring stations can be displayed using distinct icons. The status of their operations (open/closed for valves, live pressure levels for monitoring stations) can also be overloid if real-time data is available. 
3. Connection relationships: using relation data enables utilities to visualize connections between pipelines, valves and consumer meters. For example, branch pipelines may link directly to specific consumer meters while main pipelines connect to larger distribution valves. 
4. Maintenance planning and fault detection: With the map widget, operations teams can quickly identify pipeline segments that need maintenance or repairs- which is crucial in detecting leaks or other issues. Grid’s scheduling feature also helps allocate resources more efficiently across geographical clusters for maintenance operations.  
5. Advanced use cases: Integrating real-time data from pressure monitoring stations or flow meters enable the live monitoring of the gas distribution network. With this feature, utilities can track flow rates and pressure levels while receiving alerts for possible anomalies, ensuring proactive management of the gas distribution system. 

Conclusion

Integrating GIS data into operational dashboards using Grid equips utilities as a powerful means to visualize and manage their assets effectively. Whether it is mapping electricity distribution networks or gas pipelines, Grid’s Advanced GIS improves transparency within utility networks, enhances asset management and leads to more reliable service delivery to consumers. With Grid, utilities are better prepared to navigate the complexities of managing a vast network of operational assets, and position themselves for greater success. 

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