IMPLEMENTING AN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM … · implementing a utility geographic information system for water, sewer, and electric a thesis presented to the department of geology

IMPLEMENTING A UTILITY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

SYSTEM FOR WATER, SEWER, AND ELECTRIC

A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND

GEOGRAPHY IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF SCIENCE

By

Davie Crawford

NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

MARCH, 2012

IMPLEMENTING A UTILITY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM

Implementing a Utility Geographic Information System

for Water, Sewer, and Electric

Davie Crawford

Northwest Missouri State University

THESIS APPROVED

Thesis Advisor, Dr. Ming Hung Date

Dr. Patricia Drews Date

Dr. Yi-Hwa Wu Date

Dean of Graduate School, Dr. Gregory Haddock Date

iii

Implementing a Utility Geographic Information System for Water, Sewer, and Electric

Abstract

This thesis presents the design and implementation of a Geographic Information

System (GIS) for the Water, Sewer, and Electric Departments for the City of Calhoun,

Georgia. The thesis reviews literature that is associated with developing a utility GIS.

The objective of this thesis is to explain how the design and implementation of a GIS for

the City of Calhoun was established in order to efficiently manage their utility

distribution systems and replace the existing CAD system. It also provides other small

municipalities with an understanding of what it takes to design and implement a utility

GIS. The design and implementation were divided into a set of phases that were carried

out to ensure a successful completed system.

The methodology used in the development of the GIS has been acquired through

reviewing and evaluating other similar systems that involve utility data. The utility

departments have relied on inaccurate CAD data for years. The departments all agreed

that a more accurate and up to date system would help manage their assets. The

conclusion of this thesis demonstrates the improved efficiency after implementing the

GIS compared with the previous CAD system.

iv

Table of Contents

List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi

List of Tables ................................................................................................................... viii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................x

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................ xi

CHAPTER 1 ........................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1

Research Objective ................................................................................................. 2

CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................4

LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................................4

Implementation Obstacles ....................................................................................... 4

Methodologies......................................................................................................... 6

Utility Data Collection ............................................................................................ 7

Geodatabase Design ................................................................................................ 8

CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................................9

USER NEEDS ASSESSMENT ...........................................................................................9

Description of Study Area ...................................................................................... 9

Needs Assessment Overview ................................................................................ 13

Department of Water GIS Needs Assessment ...................................................... 14

Department of Sewer GIS Needs Assessment ...................................................... 16

Department of Electric GIS Needs Assessment.................................................... 18

CHAPTER 4 ......................................................................................................................21

GEODATABASE DESIGN ..............................................................................................21

v

Water Geodatabase Design ................................................................................... 21

Sewer Geodatabase Design ................................................................................... 34

Electric Geodatabase Design ................................................................................ 44

CHAPTER 5 ......................................................................................................................61

DATA DEVELOPMENT AND CONVERSION .............................................................61

Water System Data Conversion and Development ............................................... 61

Sewer System Data Conversion and Development .............................................. 65

Electric System Data Conversion and Development ............................................ 68

Web Mapping Application and Development ...................................................... 71

CHAPTER 6 ......................................................................................................................81

ANALYSIS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...................................................................81

Challenges and Solutions ...................................................................................... 89

CHAPTER 7 ......................................................................................................................90

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS ......................................................90

Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 90

Future Enhancements ............................................................................................ 90

References ..........................................................................................................................92

vi

List of Figures

Figure 1. Location of the City of Calhoun, Georgia ........................................................ 10

Figure 2. Zoning Map of the City of Calhoun, Georgia .................................................. 11

Figure 3. Water Department Feature Dataset Design ....................................................... 22

Figure 4. Water Department ER Diagram ........................................................................ 23

Figure 5. Sewer Department Feature Dataset Design ....................................................... 35

Figure 6. Sewer Department ER Diagram ........................................................................ 36

Figure 7. Electric Department Feature Dataset Design .................................................... 44

Figure 8. Electric Department ER Diagram ...................................................................... 45

Figure 9. Example Water Map in CAD Not to Scale ....................................................... 63

Figure 10. Example Water Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 50 for Symbology .................... 64

Figure 11. Water GIS Symbology .................................................................................... 65

Figure 12. Example Sewer Map in CAD Not to Scale ..................................................... 66

Figure 13. Example Sewer Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 53 for Symbology. .................. 67

Figure 14. Sewer System Symbology ............................................................................... 68

Figure 15. Example Electric CAD Map not to Scale ........................................................ 69

Figure 16. Example Electric Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 56 for Symbology. ................ 70

Figure 17. Electric GIS Symbology .................................................................................. 71

Figure 18. Web Mapping Application Initial Screen ........................................................ 74

Figure 19. Main Toolbar for Application ......................................................................... 74

Figure 20. Layers List ....................................................................................................... 75

Figure 21. Locate Address Tool........................................................................................ 76

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Figure 22. Billing Account Number Lookup Tool ........................................................... 77

Figure 23. Attribute Table Tool ........................................................................................ 78

Figure 24. Search and Identify Tool ................................................................................. 78

Figure 25. Example Use of Search/Identify Tool ............................................................. 79

Figure 26. Draw and Measure Tool .................................................................................. 79

Figure 27. Print Tool ......................................................................................................... 80

Figure 28. Water Layer GIS Application .......................................................................... 84

Figure 29. Sewer Layer GIS Application ......................................................................... 85

Figure 30. Electric Layer GIS Application ....................................................................... 85

Figure 31. Overview of Calhoun Water System ............................................................... 86

Figure 32. Overview of Calhoun Sewer System ............................................................... 87

Figure 33. Overview of Calhoun Electric System ............................................................ 88

viii

List of Tables

Table 1: Average Monthly Statistics for Water Department ............................................ 15

Table 2: Feature Statistics for Water Department............................................................. 15

Table 3: Average Monthly Statistics for Sewer Department ............................................ 17

Table 4: Feature Statistics for Sewer Department ............................................................ 17

Table 5: Average Monthly Statistics for Electric Department.......................................... 20

Table 6: Feature Statistics for Electric Department .......................................................... 20

Table 7: Water Main Feature Class Design ...................................................................... 24

Table 8: Pump Station Feature Class Design .................................................................... 24

Table 9: Valve Feature Class Design ................................................................................ 25

Table 10: Hydrants Feature Class Design ......................................................................... 26

Table 11: Tanks Feature Class Design.............................................................................. 27

Table 12: Backflow Fire Tap Feature Class Design ......................................................... 28

Table 13: Backflow Point Feature Class ........................................................................... 29

Table 14: Laterals Feature Class Design .......................................................................... 30

Table 15: Fittings Feature Class Design ........................................................................... 31

Table 16: Abandoned Water Line Feature Class Design .................................................. 32

Table 17: Water Meters Feature Class Design ................................................................. 33

Table 18: Leaks Feature Class Design .............................................................................. 34

Table 19: Manhole Feature Class Design ......................................................................... 37

Table 20: Gravity Main Feature Class Design .................................................................. 38

Table 21: Lift Station Feature Class Design ..................................................................... 39

Table 22: Wet Well Feature Class Design ........................................................................ 39

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Table 23: Monitor Location Feature Class ....................................................................... 40

Table 24: Service Lateral Feature Class Design ............................................................... 41

Table 25: Clean Out Feature Class Design ....................................................................... 42

Table 26: Force Main Feature Class ................................................................................. 42

Table 27: Abandoned Line Feature Class ......................................................................... 43

Table 28: Abandoned Point Feature Class Design ........................................................... 43

Table 29: Anchor Guy Feature Class Design ................................................................... 46

Table 30: Span Guy Feature Class Design ....................................................................... 46

Table 31: Bus Bar Feature Class Design .......................................................................... 47

Table 32: Open Point Feature Class Design ..................................................................... 48

Table 33: Surface Structure Feature Class Design ........................................................... 49

Table 34: Transformer Feature Class Design ................................................................... 50

Table 35: Support Structure Feature Class Design ........................................................... 51

Table 36: Switch Feature Class Design ............................................................................ 52

Table 37: Streetlight Feature Class Design ....................................................................... 53

Table 38: Fuse Feature Class Design ................................................................................ 54

Table 39: Electric Meter Feature Class Design ................................................................ 55

Table 40: Secondary OH Electric Feature Class Design .................................................. 56

Table 41: Secondary UDG Electric Feature Class Design ............................................... 56

Table 42: Primary OH Electric Feature Class Design ...................................................... 57

Table 43: Primary UDG Electric Feature Class Design ................................................... 58

Table 44: PF Correcting Equipment Feature Class Design .............................................. 59

Table 45: Dynamic Protective Device Feature Class Design ........................................... 60

x

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank the City of Calhoun, GA and all the utility departments with

providing me the opportunity of implementing this GIS. I also would like to thank

Dr.Hung, Dr. Drews and Dr.Wu for their help and support while completing this thesis.

xi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

AMR AUTOMATED METER READING

CAD COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

GIS GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

CCTV CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION

GPS GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS

RTK REAL TIME KINEMATIC

OH OVERHEAD

UDG UNDERGROUND

1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Most utilities throughout the United States and abroad are planning or

implementing an automated mapping-facilities management-Geographic Information

System (GIS) Cannistra (1999). Over the years many organizations have come to realize

that GIS not only helps manage the existing utility infrastructure, but can also help aid in

the design for future expansion (Shamsi 2005). The utility industry is a major consumer

of GIS because of the fact that almost all utilities can be spatially referenced. For

example, more than 80% of all the information that is within water and wastewater

utilities is geographically referenced (Shamsi 2005). Utility organizations not only use

GIS for the spatially referenced data, but also for any information that could be used to

help carry out further analysis if needed. A GIS allows utility operators and managers to

not only determine where their assets are located but analyze attributes about those assets

(Hughes 2006). The majority of the utility organizations reside in municipal

governments. Traditionally, utility organizations managed their systems by paper maps.

They relied on these paper maps for information about their assets and the location. The

maps served the purpose in three major areas: existing location of the system

infrastructure, engineering aspects of the utilities and customer connections, and the

overall network of the system for analysis (Environmental Systems Research Institute,

ESRI, 2003).

Many municipal governments provide its citizens with public utilities whether it

be electric, water, sewer, telecommunications, or gas. The size of the utility system

depends on the size of the area and the population it serves. The local governments over

2

the years have typically managed these utility systems by hard copy paper maps. The

hard copy paper maps were usually produced by using a computer aided design system

(CAD). The CAD system has helped the utility organizations throughout the years with

managing their assets, but lacks the ability to provide the organizations with database

technology. The database technology that is incorporated into GIS has greatly extended

the ability to effectively manage the utility assets.

GIS is able to provide the utility organizations with endless amounts of

information about their assets, whether it is spatial or non-spatial. Utility organizations

spend a large amount of money and time on maintaining their infrastructures. By using

GIS, these organizations are able to greatly reduce the amount of time and money

involved on maintenance. Many of the organizations incorporate their work order and

billing systems into the GIS, which saves even more time and resources. The

organizations are able to use one system to effectively manage all their utilities.

The City of Calhoun, GA has always utilized a CAD system to manage their

utilities. The utility departments realized that the data in the CAD system was not

accurate. The city started researching ways to improve their data and efficiency within

the departments and wanted a centralized system that could be accessed across all

departments in the city. While researching, the city found GIS and decided that it was the

type of system they wanted to implement.

Research Objective

The GIS implementation process for a municipal government’s utility system can

be very complex, expensive, and time consuming, depending on what the organization is

3

prepared to manage with the system. The research objective is to review, explain, and

provide an example of the implementation process for the water, sewer, and electric

utilities within the City of Calhoun, GA. These utility areas are very common among a

large percentage of the local governments in the United States. The implementation

process involves determining the needs of each department and constructing an

implementation plan to help track and determine the outcome of the overall system. The

research also reviews the database development process for each of the utility

departments.

4

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

Implementation Obstacles

Utility organizations are beginning to look at GIS as a way to manage all their

assets and infrastructure. A GIS can reveal important information that leads to better

decision making (Hughes 2006). The implementation strategies of a utility GIS are what

organizations use to help achieve their overall goals of the system. These strategies can

be somewhat different between implementation. A number of factors go into the

implementation of a utility GIS, and depending on the size of the system, these factors

can be overwhelming at times.

Many organizations adopt GIS with the assumption that it will make their work

easier to complete, lower the cost to do their work, and provide the customers with better

service (Tomlinson 2003). The assumption will be true if the GIS implementation is

carried out correctly, and within a timely manner. Obstacles related to training, education,

and general understanding of the technology seems to inhibit the successful

implementation of the overall system (Croswell 1991).

Croswell (1991) explored the obstacles that are encountered during implementing

a GIS. He conducted a study analysis that involves 39 articles on the subject of problems

that are commonly found while implementing a GIS. The list below outlines some of the

major obstacles that are associated with system implementation.

Fear of change

Funding availability

5

Management support

Organizational coordination and conflicts

Training and understanding the technology

Staffing availability and recruitment

Software complexity

Data communications and networking

Croswell (1991) also outlined some of the strategies that were used to overcome

some of the common problems. The list below provides a number of solutions to the

major obstacles.

Initial evaluation of organizational risk

Commitment from management

Adopting a structured approach to the development

Involve users of the system in the design

Create a goal-oriented plan and schedule

Keep users and managers informed about the progress

During the City of Calhoun implementation some of the obstacles Croswell

(1991) describes were apparent from the beginning of the project. The fear of change

among department staff was the first obstacle encountered. The departments used the

CAD system for many years and were hesitate about working with a new type of system.

Another obstacle that arose during the project was organizational coordination.

Coordinating meetings with the departments in the beginning stages of the project was

challenging. The solution that helped overcome these obstacles was allowing the

department users to get involved with the design of the system.

6

Methodologies

In order for the implementation process to work the organization should follow an

implementation methodology. There are many methodologies available; choosing the one

that fits the needs of the organization and utility departments will provide the steps

needed to carry out the work. It is not mandatory that every step within a methodology be

executed; some GIS projects may only require the execution of a few steps.

Uhrick and Feinberg (1997) focused on a methodology used to link an existing

infrastructure inventory system database with a GIS for Broward County, Florida. One of

the main goals of the project included replacing the water and wastewater paper maps

with GIS. The methodology used during the project involved a number of customized

applications that helped link the two systems. The incorporation of the custom

applications into the methodology gave insight into how beneficial they can be while

translating data from one system to another.

The needs assessment is a major step while following a methodology. The needs

assessment example that was explored by Shamsi (2005) and Shamsi (2002) was specific

to a water and wastewater GIS. The needs analysis steps Shamsi presented in the water

and wastewater projects helped form the needs assessment for my own project. The areas

of conducting work sessions and interviews with the department staff helped gain the

understanding of the overall workflow. The methodology explored by Cannistra (1999)

was similar to the previous approach, but helped identify more of the methods used

during the data conversion process. Cannistra (1999) and Shamsi (2005) both agree that a

structured methodology that defines the requirements of the system should be executed.

The two methodologies also agree that conducting a pilot project area helps fine tune the

7

specifications during the implementation. Overall the methodologies reviewed for the

utility GIS project were all very similar. Some of the methodologies placed more

emphasis on the needs assessment step, while others concentrated more on the data

conversion process.

Utility Data Collection

Data collection is a very important step during a utility GIS project. According to

Pickford (1997) data capture is best defined as the means by which information relating

to physical entities (the data) is transferred into a digital format. This transfer can either

originate from plans where the information contained in the plans is converted directly

into a digital form with no additions (data conversion), or where the plans are used

simply as a guide to in-field data capture where the information is gathered as a result of

direct observation of the particular physical entity (field inventory).

Homer (1997) described the data collection methodology used to implement a

utility enterprise GIS for the City of Tallahassee, Florida. The City of Tallahassee

supports the electric, water, sewer, gas, and stormwater departments with the use of GIS.

Homer (1997) gave insight into the implementation steps that were brought upon by

devastating events like hurricane Kate in 1985 that triggered the interest in a utility GIS.

Homer (1997) explained the development requirements of the utility enterprise database

including facility data was also discussed which explained the city’s mobile data

collection system and how it was used. Homer (1997) also explained some of the

procedures that field crews used to carry out the collection of the data, which is one of the

most important aspects of implementing a utility GIS. The mobile data collection system

8

during the project consisted of a tablet computer with GPS. The research showed how

beneficial a mobile data collection system can be when collecting data for the utility

system.

The utility data collection methods described by Pickford (1997) and Homer

(1997) both involved an inventory of the utility system in the field. The methods included

using GPS to collect the data. They both identified quality assurance as being a major

aspect of the field inventory. By having field verified data as the primary source helps

ensure that the quality of data is good.

Geodatabase Design

The geodatabase design of a utility GIS was crucial in order to successfully

implement the system. A lot of time went into designing these geodatabases, because

sufficient knowledge of how each system works is necessary to construct the

geodatabase. The review of Zeiler (1999) case studies helped identify the steps needed to

develop the utility geodatabase. Zeiler (1999) noted that interaction with objects in the

world is diverse and we can model them in many ways. The case study design models

that were explored by Zeiler (1999) helped show the different ways that a geodatabase

can be designed. Zeiler (1999) also explained the steps needed to construct the entity

relationship models for the geodatabase. The entity relationship diagrams created for each

of the utility datasets in this project were done by following Zeiler’s approach.

9

CHAPTER 3

USER NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Description of Study Area

The City of Calhoun, Georgia, is located about 60 miles northwest of Atlanta and

is in Gordon County which covers approximately 356 square miles with 2.5 square miles

consisting of water. There are approximately 53,000 people that live in Gordon County

with roughly 14,000 residing within the city limits of Calhoun (Gordon County 2008).

Figure 1 shows the location of Gordon County and the City of Calhoun. Major carpet and

flooring industries account for the majority of the work force in the city. Figure 2

displays the zoning districts within the city.

The City of Calhoun was established in 1852, and is governed by a mayor and

four council members. The general administration of Calhoun includes the functions of

the mayor and council, city administrator, finance, tax administrator, human resources,

and risk management. The public works consist of Highway and Streets, Recycling

Center, Animal Control, and Cemetery Departments. The public safety and development

are the Police, Fire, and Community Development Departments. The City of Calhoun

utilities consist of the Water, Sewer, Electric, Telecommunications, Engineering, and GIS

Departments.

10

Figure 1. Location of the City of Calhoun, Georgia

11

Figure 2. Zoning Map of the City of Calhoun, Georgia

12

The Water, Sewer, and Electric Departments were the areas of concentration for

this research. According to the Director of Water and Sewer, J. Crawford (personal

communication, 5 Oct 2007) the Water Department serves over 20,000 customers in

Calhoun and Gordon County. There are a total of about 800 miles of water mains

throughout the county. The purpose of the Water Department is to provide clean, pure

drinking water to customers and to protect health; to maintain the water distribution

system, adding new lines and connections; to add new customers, and to provide proper

pressure and clean water at all times.

According to J. Crawford (personal communication, 5 Oct 2007) the Sewer

Department serves approximately 6500 customers. The sewer infrastructure is made up of

approximately 3000 manholes, 9 lift stations, and 150 miles of sewer line. Some of the

maintenance involved includes the department responding to approximately 300 utility

locate requests each month. The closed circuit television or CCTV crew performs

inspections on approximately 2500 linear feet of main line sewer each month. The

Jet/Vacuum crew cleans approximately 6000 linear feet of main line sewer each month.

According to L. Vickery, the Director of Electric (personal communication, 4 Oct

2007), the Electric Department serves approximately 5000 customers throughout the city.

The Electric Department handles approximately 1000 service calls annually. The

department estimated that there are approximately 5700 poles in the electric system. The

electrical system consist of 88 miles of primary overhead wire, 30 miles of primary

underground wire, 90 miles of secondary overhead wire, and 25 miles of secondary

underground wire. The department also maintains a number of the street and security

lights. There are approximately 1000 street lights and 200 security lights. The goal of the

13

Electric Department is to employ properly trained personnel and to secure a safe

environment for those employees and the community. This will insure that the

distribution system service is maintained at the highest level of quality and reliability.

The Electric Department is committed to customer satisfaction and a state-of-the-art

approach to power supply.

The Water, Sewer, and Electric GIS was developed and implemented by

following three phases. The first phase of the project was to conduct a needs assessment

for each of the departments. The second phase was geodatabase design. The third phase

is data development and conversion. The phases used for the project were performed

once the hardware and software were installed and configured. The City of Calhoun

already had a server available for the GIS implementation. A Microsoft SQL Server

Enterprise license was purchased and installed on the server. The ESRI software that was

installed for the implementation included ArcGIS Server Advance and a number of

ArcINFO seats in each department. ArcSDE, which is bundled with ArcGIS Server

Advance, was also installed and configured. The advance version of ArcGIS Server

provided the ability to develop a web mapping application that each department can

easily access and use.

Needs Assessment Overview

The list below identifies the steps that were taken to complete the needs

assessment for each of the departments:

Interviewed the staff within each department to identify the current document

workflows and conditions.

14

Established an overall set of goals and objectives for each of the departments.

Gained an understanding of their business processes and identified redundancy

within these processes.

Evaluated the existing data and data formats currently being used.

Identified applications that the departments can benefit from.

Determined the number of users that will be accessing the system from the

departments.

Department of Water GIS Needs Assessment

The needs assessment meeting with the Water Department identified a number of

functions and processes that will be achieved with the implementation of the GIS. The

list below outlines the major functions and processes identified.

Preparing maps for work orders

Integration of billing data

Future planning for system expansion

Asset inventory

Hydrant locations

Water main isolation

New meter locations

Meter replacement scheduling

Linking meters, valves, to the parcels they serve

Water distribution and usage analyses

Pressure zone mapping

15

Water main break reporting application

Crew routing

Maintenance tracking and inventory

Web mapping application for easy access to data

The statistics in table 1 show an average of the Water Department’s operations

during any given month. Table 2 lists the estimated number of features within the water

system during the time of the assessment. The statistics in table 2 provided an overall

evaluation of the amount of data that was involved in the implementation.

Table 1: Average Monthly Statistics for Water Department

Item Number

Customers Served 22,000

Number of Service Calls 40

Number of Leaks 50

New Meters added 75

Meter Repairs 35

Number of Utility Locate

request 500

Average number of new pipe

in feet added 5000

Table 2: Feature Statistics for Water Department

Item Number

Water Lines in Miles 800

Number of Meters 22000

Number of Hydrants 1600

Number of Valves 3700

Number of Pump Stations 9

Number of Tanks 17

16

The assessment also identified the number and type of users of the GIS. The

department stated that one person would be responsible for creating and updating the data

while there would be at least five or more people using the system at any given time. The

format and use of the existing data was also discussed. The data is in CAD format and is

not based on a coordinate system and is not to any kind of scale. The attribute

information for the CAD data is in the form of labels in the drawings. The CAD drawings

are old and outdated. The locations of the water mains were sketched in from employees’

memory over the years. The valve and hydrant drawings were developed using field

sketches. The department stated that the drawings are inaccurate and have been pieced

together over the years and they would like access to updated data for the electric and

sewer throughout the city and county. Having access to landowner and parcel information

would also be helpful when planning new construction. The water data needs to be

updated on a daily basis. The overall goal of the Water Department is to have easy access

to accurate and updated information on their entire water system.

Department of Sewer GIS Needs Assessment

The assessment for the Sewer Department identified a number of functions that

could benefit from the implementation of a GIS. The list below shows some of the

examples discussed during the needs assessment.

Access to accurate system mapping


Work order mapping

System modeling

17

Crew scheduling

Inflow and Infiltration planning

Planning future expansion of system

Maintenance tracking and inventory

Sewer distribution analysis

Inspection reporting tools


Table 3 shows some of the more important monthly statistics on the functions of

the Sewer Department. The numbers in table 4 give an idea on the number of features

that make up the sewer system.

Table 3: Average Monthly Statistics for Sewer Department

Item Number

Customers Served 6500

Avg. # of Service Calls 27

Number of Utility Locate

request 300

Amount of pipe camera

inspected in feet 2500

Amount of pipe cleaned in feet 6000

Table 4: Feature Statistics for Sewer Department

Item Number

Manholes 3000

Sewer lines in Miles 150

Lift Stations 9

Monitor Locations 17

Wet Wells 9

Cleanouts 500

18

The sewer data is similar to the water data except that roughly 35% of the

manholes in the system have been located using real-time kinematic global positional

system or (RTK GPS) by the Engineering Department. The attributes of the manholes

and pipe are in the form of labels in the CAD system. A number of subdivision drawings

have been submitted by developers in CAD format and placed in the overall CAD system

drawing. All lift stations and wet wells have been located using GPS. The remaining 65%

of the manholes and pipes is not accurate. The department uses AutoCad for all of their

mapping and information needs. The Sewer Department would like access to updated

data for the Electric and Water Departments for planning new construction. They would

also like to have access to parcel information for easement purposes. The department

would like to have the data updated daily as projects are completed in the field. The data

will be maintained and edited by one person and accessed by a number of people within

the city. The overall goal of the Sewer Department is to have accurate and up to date data

on their system and easy and quick access to the data.

Department of Electric GIS Needs Assessment

The needs assessment for the Electric Department began with identifying

processes within the department that could benefit from a GIS. The list below shows a

number of the processes indentified.

Work order mapping


Inventory

New electric utility expansion

19

Improved location of utilities in the field

Locate trouble calls and outages

Provide better customer service

Crew routing

Electrical distribution analysis

Linking meters to the parcels they serve

Maintenance tracking


The statistics in table 5 show the average monthly number of items that occur on a

normal basis for the department. Table 6 lists some of the more important features in the

electric system data to give an idea of the size of the system.

The electric data is in CAD format with no coordinate system or scale. The

attributes for the electric features are in the form of labels on the CAD drawings. The

CAD data is updated on a daily basis by making the changes to the system drawings.

Work crews are given a work order with a printed out CAD map explaining what work

needs to be done. Once the work is completed, it is noted on the CAD drawing and work

order in the field. The work order and drawing are then given back to the CAD operator

to make changes in the CAD drawings. The Electric Department would like to have

access to parcel, water, and sewer data to help support the planning of new construction.

The electric GIS data will need to be updated on a daily basis. The department will use

one data maintainer and editor to perform the daily updates. The main goal for the

Electric Department is to have accurate and updated data on the electric system with easy

access to it.

20

Table 5: Average Monthly Statistics for Electric Department

Item Number

Customers Served 5000

Avg. # of Service Calls 80

Number of Outages 35

Number of Locates 100

Street Light Replacements 20

Table 6: Feature Statistics for Electric Department

Item Number

Poles 5700

Transformers 1700

Meters 5030

Miles of Primary Wire 120

Miles of Secondary Wire 120

21

CHAPTER 4

GEODATABASE DESIGN

The second phase of this project, geodatabase design, began with reviewing each

of the department’s existing CAD data structures. The feature classes were determined by

meeting with the departments on a number of occasions to decide which features should

be included in the system. The feature dataset figures and attribute field tables listed

below are for each department’s dataset. A number of the attribute fields noted in the

design were actually labels in the CAD data for the features. Some of the attribute fields

were added items that the departments would like to start keeping track of in the future.

The planimetric data (e.g., roads, buildings, parcels and bridges) that each

department uses was available from the Gordon County GIS Department. Aerial

photography from 2005 was also already in place for Gordon County and the City of

Calhoun. The spatial reference of each dataset is based on the existing planimetric and

aerial photography data. The coordinate system used for the geodatabase is the Georgia

West State Plane and the projection used is the Transverse Mercator. All the data sets will

be based on the State Plane Coordinate System.

Water Geodatabase Design

The water geodatabase design was developed based on the information gathered

during the needs assessment and the existing CAD data. The attributes for each of the

feature classes in the water geodatabase were determined by examining the existing CAD

layer labels. Attributes were added to the features in the areas where the department

wanted more information than what was available in the CAD drawings. Figure 3 shows

22

the layout of all the feature classes for the water dataset. Figure 4 shows the entity

relationship diagram. Tables 7 thru 18 describe the feature classes and attributes in detail.

Figure 3. Water Department Feature Dataset Design

23

Figure 4. Water Department ER Diagram

24

Table 7: Water Main Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Mains

Description: The network of pipes in which the water supply is delivered.

Data Source: City of Calhoun

Geometry Type: Polyline

Field Description

Objectid Internal feature number

DateCreate Date of creation

Material Material of the pipe

Diameter Diameter (inches) size of pipe

Globalid Universal unique identifier for data replication

Shape Internal geometry type

Comment Field user comments about pipe

Shape.len Length of pipe segment

Table 8: Pump Station Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Pump Stations

Description: Pump stations are used to pump water from different locations.


Geometry Type: Point

Field Description


Location General location description of pump station

Elevation Elevation of pump station

Pressure_z Pressure zone of station

Pump_Count Number of pumps at station

Average_fl Average flow at station

Peak_flow Peak flow at station


Northing Northing coordinate location

Easting Easting coordinate location


25

Table 9: Valve Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Valves

Description: Valves are used to regulate and control the flow of water.



Field Description



Location General location description of valve

Condition Condition of valve

Elevation Elevation of valve

Type Type of valve

Diameter Diameter (inches) size of valve

Valvenumber Unique system id for valve



Method Method used to collect coordinates


Comment Field user comments about valve


26

Table 10: Hydrants Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Hydrants

Description: A source of water for fire protection that is located throughout

the water system.



Field Description


Hydr_id Fire department unique id number

Main_id Id number of water main connection

Number_ Street number location of hydrant

St_prefix Street prefix direction

Street Street name

St_type Type of street



Station Fire Station

District City district location

Year_ Year of install

Barrel_siz Size of barrel

Main_size Size of water main

Barrel_lengt Length of barrel

Main_type Material of water main

Class Hydrant pressure class

Not_in_srv Non service identifier

Notes Notes about hydrant

Owner Owner of hydrant



Testdate Date of last test

Static Amount of static pressure

Residual Residual reading of hydrant

Pitot Pitot gauge reading

Gpm Gallons per minute reading

Gpm_20 Gallons per minute reading @ 20 psi



27

Table 11: Tanks Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Tanks

Description: Tanks are a container for storing water for future supply.



Field Description


Location General location description of Tank

Capacity Capacity of tank in millions of gallons

Diameter Diameter of tank in feet

Height Height of tank in feet

Base_elevation Elevation at the base of the tank

Overflow_elevation Elevation at which the tank will overflow





28

Table 12: Backflow Fire Tap Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Backflow Fire Taps

Description: A device used to prevent contamination of water backflow from

fire sprinkler systems.



Field Description


Name Name to identify backflow fire tap


Data Data link indicator

Account Billing account number

Link Link to test data





29

Table 13: Backflow Point Feature Class

Feature Class: Backflow Points

Description: A device used to prevent contamination or pollution of water

backflow from service connection.



Field Description


Name Name to identify backflow


Data Data link indicator

Account Billing account number

Link Link to test data





30

Table 14: Laterals Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Laterals

Description: Laterals are the connecting pipes from the water main to the

residents or business.



Field Description


Linetype Type of lateral

Diameter Size of lateral

Material Lateral material



Comments Comments about the lateral


31

Table 15: Fittings Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Fittings

Description: Fittings are used in the water system where mains may intersect

or turn in another direction.



Field Description



Location General location of fitting

Material Material type of fitting

Fittingtype Type of material





Comments Comments about the fittings

32

Table 16: Abandoned Water Line Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Abandoned Lines

Description: Mains that have been replaced or eliminated in the system.



Field Description


Datecreated Date the line was abandoned

Condition Condition of the line

Material Material of the line

Diameter Diameter size of line




33

Table 17: Water Meters Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Meters

Description: The device to measure the amount of water used.


Geometry Type: Points

Field Description


Id Old meter number

Mxu_num AMR meter number

Address Address of meter

Date_ Date of install

Creator Creator of meter feature

Installer Installer name

Retrofit Retrofit indicator value

Setter Setter indicator

Backflow Backflow meter indicator

Rightofway Rightofway indicator

Driveway Driveway indicator

Need_dirt Dirt indicator

New_lid New lid installed indicator

Install_ok Installation of meter correct indicator

Data_ok GPS data correction indicator

Boxset_ok Installation of box correct indicator

Programmed Meter programmed indicator

Gps Meter located indicator

Reading Meter reading

Comments Comments of installation

Comments2 Comments of activation





Phase1 Installation phase

34

Table 18: Leaks Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Leaks

Description: A leak is considered pipe damage causing the loss of water.



Field Description


Name Leak name or number identifier

Feat_Code Location of leak on pipe

Desc_ Description of leak



Elevation Elevation of leak

Workordernum Workorder number for leak

CrewName Crew who responded to leak

Date Date of leak reported

Comment Comments on leak



Sewer Geodatabase Design

The development of the sewer geodatabase was also developed based on the

existing CAD data and information that was obtained during the needs assessment.

Figure 5 shows the feature classes that make up the sewer dataset. Figure 6 shows the

entity relationship diagram for the sewer dataset. Tables 19 thru 28 describe the feature

classes and attributes in detail.

35

Figure 5. Sewer Department Feature Dataset Design

36

Figure 6. Sewer Department ER Diagram

37

Table 19: Manhole Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Manholes

Description: Manholes are access points to the sewer lines below the surface.



Field Description


Point_Name Unique id number

RimElevation Elevation of the rim

CollBy Person who located the manhole

DateColl Collection date

Date_obs Observation date

Elev_obs Observation elevation

RimDepth Depth of rim below or above surface

Location General location

Surface Surface material type

WallMat Inside wall material type

ChimneyMat Chimney material type

Exposed Manhole exposed indicator

CondOT Condition of outside top

CondRC Condition of ring and cover

CondC Condition of chimney

CondMW Condition of manhole wall

CondMB Condition of manhole bottom

DropMH Drop manhole indicator



LocationDescription Location description

Comments General comments about manhole



38

Table 20: Gravity Main Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Gravity Mains

Description: Network of pipes used to transport sewer throughout the system.



Field Description


CreationUser User who created the main in GIS

DateCreated Date added to GIS

Condition Condition of main

Material Material of upstream invert of pipe

UpstreamInvert Invert measurement on upstream of pipe

DownstreamInvert Invert measurement on downstream of pipe

Diameter Diameter of upstream

PercentSlope Slope percentage

DNSmat Material of downstream of pipe

DNSdiam Diameter of downstream

Comment General comments about pipe

Camera Camera indicator

CameraDate Date it was recorded

CameraNotes Notes from recording

MovieID Id of camera inspection recording

UpsEL Upstream elevation of pipe invert

DnsEL Downstream elevation of pipe invert

UpsMH Upstream manhole number

DnsMH Downstream manhole number

UpsMHel Upstream manhole rim elevation

DnsMHel Downstream manhole rim elevation

NeededChng Slope percentage change

slComments Slope comments




39

Table 21: Lift Station Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Lift Stations

Description: A station used to pump sewer from one location to another.



Field Description


Name Name of lift station





Table 22: Wet Well Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Wet_Wells

Description: An underground storage pit for the collection of sewer.



Field Description


Name Name of wet well





40

Table 23: Monitor Location Feature Class

Feature Class: Monitor Locations

Description: Locations of where monitor devices are installed to measure

sewer readings.



Field Description


CompanyName Name of company where monitor is located

Elevation Elevation of monitor

LocationNo Location Id number

Active Active monitor indicator

Depth Depth of monitor

Type Monitor type

PermitNo Permit number

Flume Flume indicator

Screens Screens indicator

MechScreens Mesh Screen Indicator

OnSiteTreatment Treatment indicator

PHAdjustment PH level adjustment

TempAdjustment Temperature level adjustment

Comments Comments about the monitor





41

Table 24: Service Lateral Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Service Laterals

Description: Laterals are the connecting pipes from the sewer main to the

residents or business.



Field Description


DateCreated Date added to GIS

Downstream Downstream depth of invert

DNSdiam Diameter size of lateral downstream

DNSmat Downstream material of pipe

Comment General comment on lateral

Distance Distance from manhole

Side Side location of lateral

Direction Direction of flow




42

Table 25: Clean Out Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Clean Outs

Description: Access points on the service lateral pipes used for maintenance.



Field Description


CleanoutType Type of cleanout

AccessDiameter Size of cleanout

Material Cleanout material





Table 26: Force Main Feature Class

Feature Class: Force Mains

Description: Sewer mains that transport sewer using force from lift station.



Field Description


Location General location description of force main

SubTypeCd Type of force main

Material Force main material

Depth Depth of force main

Diameter Size of force main




43

Table 27: Abandoned Line Feature Class

Feature Class: Abandoned Lines

Description: Sewer mains that have been replaced or eliminated in the system.



Field Description


SubtypeCD Type of abandoned line

Material Material type of line

Diameter Size of line




Table 28: Abandoned Point Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Abandoned Points

Description: Abandoned manholes or devices that are no longer used in the

sewer system.



Field Description


LocationDescription General location description





44

Electric Geodatabase Design

The electric geodatabase design was also created by reviewing the existing CAD

data and determining what feature classes and attributes needed to be added. Figure 7

shows the feature classes that make up the electric dataset. Figure 8 shows the entity

relationship diagram for the electric dataset. Tables 29 thru 45 show the feature classes

and attributes in detail.

Figure 7. Electric Department Feature Dataset Design

45

Figure 8. Electric Department ER Diagram

46

Table 29: Anchor Guy Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Anchor Guys

Description: A Tension cable used to add stability to the power pole.



Field Description


Comments General comments about the anchor guy

Subtypecd Anchor guy type

Rotationangle Angle rotation of the feature in GIS





Table 30: Span Guy Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Span Guys

Description: A tension cable that adds stability between two power poles.



Field Description


Comments General comments about the span guy



Shape.len Length of line segment

47

Table 31: Bus Bar Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Bus Bars

Description: A device that conducts electricity through a switchboard.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of bus bar

Phasedesignation Phase the bus bar is on

Feederid Circuit id number






48

Table 32: Open Point Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Open Points

Description: Location of where two different circuits meet.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of open point


Feederid2 Second Circuit id number

Comments General comments about the open point

Phasedesignation Phase the open point is on

SurfaceStructureobjectid Id of the surface structure





49

Table 33: Surface Structure Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Surface Structures

Description: Objects that protect or enclose electric circuits and equipment.



Field Description


Comments General comments about the surface structure

Subtypecd Type of surface structure





50

Table 34: Transformer Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Transformers

Description: Transformers are used to transfer electricity from one circuit

to another usually changing the voltage and current in the process.



Field Description



Comments General comments about the transformer

Phasedesignation Phase designation of the transformer

RatedKVA Rating of KVA

Supportstructureobjectid Object id of support structure

Type Transformer type

PhaseA PhaseA size

PhaseB PhaseB size

PhaseC PhaseC size

Phaseacolor PhaseA color for underground transformer

Phasebcolor PhaseB color for underground transformer

Phaseccolor PhaseC color for underground transformer





51

Table 35: Support Structure Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Support Structures

Description: Support structures (poles) are used to support the devices and

wire used to transport electricity.



Field Description


Comments General comments about the support structure

Owner Owner of the support structure

Class Class of support structure

Height Height of support structure

Assem1_1 Assembly device # 1 on support structure





Devices_1 Devices on support structure

Poleid Pole id number





52

Table 36: Switch Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Switches

Description: Switches are devices used to disconnect circuits or redirect

electricity.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of switch

Feederid Circuit id the switch is on

Feederid2 Circuit id the switch is on

Operatingvoltage Operating volts of the switch

Comments General comments about the switch

Phasedesignation Phase that the switch is on

Normalposition_a Normal position of switch on phase A

Normalposition_b Normal position of switch on phase B

Normalposition_c Normal position of switch on phase C

Presentposition_a Present position on phase A

Presentposition_b Present position on phase B

Presentposition_c Present position on phase C

Supportstructureobjectid Object id of support structure the switch is on

Gangoperated Gang switch indicator





53

Table 37: Streetlight Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Streetlights

Description: Support structure that has a light attachment located along a

street.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of street light

Comments General comments on street light

Lamptype Type of lamp

Wattage Wattage of lamp

Supportstructureobjectid Id of the support structure

Rotationangle Angle of rotation for feature





54

Table 38: Fuse Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Fuses

Description: A device used to protect distribution devices from damaging

currents.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of fuse

Feederid Circuit id the fuse is on

Feederid2 Circuit id the fuse is on

Comments General comments on the fuse

Phasedesignation Phase that the fuse is on


Fusesize Size of fuse





55

Table 39: Electric Meter Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Electric Meters

Description: The device to measure the amount of electricity used.



Field Description


Man Meter manufacturer

Account_no Meter billing account number

Occupant Occupant code for the residence

Meter_no AMR meter number

Meter_data Meter data number

Name Name of residence

Srv_st_num Service street num

Srv_st Street name

Srv_unit Apartment unit number

Cycle_ Billing cycle number





GeoCode Account geocode indicator

Reading Meter reading

56

Table 40: Secondary OH Electric Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Secondary OH Lines

Description: Secondary overhead lines connect from the primary circuit to

residents or a business.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of line

ConducterConfiguration Horizontal or vertical lines



WireSize Size of wire


Table 41: Secondary UDG Electric Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Secondary UDG Lines

Description: Secondary underground lines connect from the primary circuit to

residents or a business.



Field Description



Totallen Total length of line





57

Table 42: Primary OH Electric Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Primary OH Lines

Description: The primary overhead lines are used to conduct electricity from the

substations throughout the system.



Field Description



Comments General comments about primary line

Phasedesignation Primary line phase order

Feederid Circuit id the line is

Labletext Top or bottom line text for labels

ConducterConfiguration Horizontal or vertical lines

PhaseOrientation Phase direction of the lines





58

Table 43: Primary UDG Electric Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Primary UDG Lines

Description: The primary underground lines are used to conduct electricity

from underground structures throughout the system.



Field Description



Comments General comments about primary line

Phasedesignation Primary line phase order

Feederid Circuit id the line is


Totallen Total length of line




59

Table 44: PF Correcting Equipment Feature Class Design

Feature Class: PF CorrectingEquipment

Description: Power factor equipment is used to help maintain the current of

electricity throughout the system.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of correcting equipment

Feederid Circuit id the equipment is attached to

Comments General comments about the correcting equipment

SymbolRotation Angle of rotation of the feature

Phasedesignation Correcting equipment phase order

TotalKvar Total Kvar size






60

Table 45: Dynamic Protective Device Feature Class Design

Feature Class: Dynamic Protective Devices

Description: Dynamic protective devices are used to protect the over current of

electricity that occurs in the system.



Field Description


Subtypecd Type of protective device

Feederid Circuit id the device is on

Feederid2 Circuit id the device is on if more than one

Comments General comments about the protective device

SymbolRotation Angle of rotation of the feature

Phasedesignation Protective device phase order






61

CHAPTER 5

DATA DEVELOPMENT AND CONVERSION

The third phase of this project is data development and conversion. The City of

Calhoun and Gordon County have existing aerial photography that is tied to the Georgia

State Plane Coordinate System. The aerial photography overlaid with Gordon County’s

planimetric data serves as the base map foundation for the GIS. The Gordon County GIS

Department has already completed the majority of the basemap dataset work with the

construction of the parcel data and attributes associated with the data.

The City of Calhoun’s Engineering Department has already completed a number

of feature locations throughout the city. The department has a GPS base station installed

for locating utilities with RTK GPS. By using the RTK GPS, the features located are

highly accurate to within a few inches. Some of the features located by the Engineering

Department include wastewater manholes, utility poles, and street centerlines. The

features were located with RTK GPS on the Georgia State Plane Coordinate System. The

Sewer and Water Departments have already begun using the location data and aerial

photography. This data will be very helpful in referencing other data throughout the city

for the GIS.

Water System Data Conversion and Development

The existing CAD data for the water system is based on an assumed coordinate

system, which is not on a defined coordinate system. A field inventory of the valves and

hydrants was completed in order to accurately place the lines. The water line attributes

were populated by using the existing CAD data. The valve diameters were field verified

62

while doing the RTK GPS locations. By using the aerial photography, planimetrics, and

the RTK GPS valve and hydrant data, the water dataset was populated in GIS. A large

amount of the line locations came from meetings involving the water crews that actually

installed the lines or who have done repairs on the lines.

The water meters were located using a hand held GPS in which the data had to be

differentially corrected using post-processing software. The hand held GPS unit produced

accuracy within a foot compared to inches of the RTK GPS. The hand held unit was used

because of the obstruction of trees and bushes that are usually around meters. The RTK

GPS needs at least the visibility of 4 satellites in order to get a fixed location. The

locations of the meters were incorporated into the procedure of meter replacements for

the Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system. During the AMR project, each meter had

to be changed out with a new meter, and a GPS location was taken and attributes noted.

Figure 9 shows an example of the water CAD drawings the department has been

using for many years. The map displays water main locations with hydrants and valves.

The drawing was creating without using any scale. The GIS map in figure 10 shows the

newly acquired data in the same area on the State Plane Coordinate System. The GIS map

not only shows the water main, hydrant, and valve locations, but also the meter locations.

The backflow fire taps and backflow points were also added to the water dataset. The

backflow features allow the Water Department to keep track of testing dates and history

on each backflow location. Figure 11 shows the GIS symbology for figure 10 and the

entire water dataset. The GIS symbology remained close to the same as the CAD

mapping so everyone could easily read the maps.

63

Figure 9. Example Water Map in CAD Not to Scale

64

Figure 10. Example Water Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 50 for Symbology.

65

Water System Symbology

XW Leaks

4 WaterMeters

!( Tanks

l? Valves

" PumpStations

È

!ñ Hydrants

!R Fittings

#* BackflowFireTaps

#0 BackflowPoints

Abandoned Lines

Laterals

Main

<all other values>

Diameter

0

1

2

4

6

8

10

12

16

18

20

24

30

Figure 11. Water GIS Symbology

Sewer System Data Conversion and Development

The sewer data was much easier to convert and develop than the water because of

the size of the system. The sewer system only serves the residences within the city limits.

Around 35% of all sewer manholes were already located using RTK GPS and attributed

by the Engineering Department. Also a number of developers over the past few years

have submitted drawing plans on subdivisions in the State Plane Coordinate System

showing the location of the sewer installed.

A field inventory took place that located and attributed the remaining 65% of the

manholes. During the field inventory each manhole was located with RTK GPS which

provided accurate and precise location and elevation. The elevation data for each

66

manhole had to be accurate for modeling purposes in the future. The manhole covers

were removed and a measurement of the depth was taken. The material of the pipe and

condition of the manhole was also noted during this time.

The CAD map in figure 12 shows an example of a sewer drawing. The CAD

drawing displays the manholes and gravity mains. The CAD drawing was created without

any scale. Figure 13 shows an example of the same area in GIS. The GIS map not only

shows the manholes and gravity mains but also the lateral lines which are displayed in

yellow. The GIS symbology for figure 13 and all of the sewer dataset is shown in figure

14.

Figure 12. Example Sewer Map in CAD Not to Scale

67

Figure 13. Example Sewer Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 53 for Symbology.

68

Sewer System Symbology

!( Abandoned Points

!. Monitor Locations

") Lift Stations

!( Manholes

Abandoned Lines

Service Laterals

Force Mains

Gravity Mains

!( Clean Outs

" Wet Wells

Figure 14. Sewer System Symbology

Electric System Data Conversion and Development

The electric data like the water and sewer existed in CAD format only with

assumed coordinates. The attribute information for all the electric data was in the form of

labels in the CAD system. The data conversion began with georeferencing all the poles

and then applying the attributes based on the CAD data. The aerial photography provided

enough detail to pick out poles and lines in many of the areas. Poles had to be located by

GPS in the areas where they could not be identified from the aerial photography.

The development of the GIS began with adding each layer of data one at a time by

circuit. The electric system is made up of 3 substations and 18 different circuits. After the

poles where referenced and located, the other features were added. The feature classes

that make up the electric datasets are mostly attached to poles except for surface

structures and underground transformers. All of the features associated with the

underground lines were located in the field with GPS. The phasing of the primary lines

was field verified by visiting each of the three substations and tracing out the circuits. A

69

number of phasing errors were identified during this process and were changed in the

GIS.

Figure 15 shows an example of a CAD electric drawing. The CAD drawing was

drawn similar to the water and sewer with no scale. The map in figure 16 is an example

of the new GIS data developed for the same area. The symbology for figure 16 and the

entire electric dataset is shown in figure 17. The symbology remained as close to the old

cad drawings as possible for the field crews.

Figure 15. Example Electric CAD Map not to Scale

70

Figure 16. Example Electric Map in GIS. Refer to Figure 56 for Symbology.

71

Electric Symbology

Poles

Owner

dª AOP

!> CALNET

$ CCP

!= COC

! COJ

!H COP

!? COT

%L FGP

# FOP

!

<

GOP

'N MOP

"S NGP

'N SLP

%«-- STP

#V TOP

Transformers

") <all other values>

Type

# Single Phase Overhead

)#) Single Phase Underground

#

#

# Three Phase Overhead

« ««

Three Phase Overhead Pad

«)) Three Phase Underground

## Two Phase Overhead

Lights

!( <all other values>

Subtype

"J Catv

Siren

O Caution Light

"̂ Box Light

!C Tennis Light

!k Flood Light

!̂ Security Light

!l Sport Light

!̂ Streetlight

!² Traffic Light

Switches

") <all other values>

Subtype

"¶"¶ 600A-SBSW-N.O.

"¶"¶ 600A-SBSW-N.C.

"¶ 300A-SBSW-N.C.

"¶ 300A-SBSW_N.O.

é Gang Operated Switch-N.C.

"é Gang Operated Switch-N.O.

éu

u

In Line Switch-N.C.

é

u u In Line Switch-N.O.

é¶ Oil Breaker Switch-N.C.

é¶ Oil Breaker Switch-N.O.

!j Fibervaults

Dynamic Protective Devices

<all other values>

SubtypeCD

)¹ Single Phase Electronic recloser

¹¹¹ Three Phase Electronic Recloser

Capacitors

"¾ Capacitors

Subtype

"¾ Fixed Bank Capacitor

"¾ Series Capacitor

"¾ Shunt Reactor

"¾ Switched Bank Capacitor

# Meters

Fuses

!( <all other values>

Subtype, Phase Designation

!(!( Overhead Expulsion, AB

!( Underground Expulsion, A

!(!( Overhead Expulsion, BC

!(!(!( Underground Expulsion, ABC

!(!( Underground Expulsion, AB

!( Overhead Expulsion, C

!( Overhead Expulsion, B

!(!( Overhead Expulsion, AC

!(!(!( Overhead Expulsion, ABC

!( Overhead Expulsion, A

Open Points

« <all other values>

Subtype

«! Open Point

(¬ Closed Point

Surface Structures

<all other values>

Subtype

%Æ) Junction Box

Pedestal

°C° Secondary Pedestal

Òo Single Phase Primary Pedestal

ª)) Three Phase Primary Pedestal

Anchor Guys

<all other values>

Subtype

XW Sidewalk

n Standard

Jumpers

XY XY XY XY XY SpanGuys

SecOHElectricLineSegment

PriOHElectricLineSegment

B <all other values>

Subtype, Feeder ID

B 30, N6482

B 20, N6472

B 20, N1052

B 30, N1042

B 20, N1062

B 30, N1032

B 30, N1022

B 30, N1012

B 30, N6452

B 30, N6442

B 30, N6462

B 30, N6432

B 30, N6422

B 30, N6412

B 30, N7112

B 30, N7992

B 30,N7552

B 30, N7772

PrimaryUDG

<all other values>

Subtype, Feeder ID

20, N6472

20, N6482

20, N1052

20, N1042

20, N1062

20, N1032

20, N1022

20, N1012

20, N6452

20, N6442

20, N6462

20, N6432

20, N6422

20, N6412

20, N7112

20, N7992

20, N7552

20, N7772

SecondaryUDG

Figure 17. Electric GIS Symbology

Web Mapping Application and Development

One of the main goals for the Water, Sewer, and Electric Departments is to have

easy access to the GIS data. The web mapping application (http://www.cityofcalhoun-

ga.com/gis) provides the departments with the ability to locate, query, and analyze many

different datasets in the City of Calhoun. Utility crews are able to access the data in the

field from tablet computers and smartphones at any time. The mapping application can

72

only be viewed from a City of Calhoun networked computer. To gain access from outside

the city, a login and passcode are needed.

The development of the web mapping application began after the data from all the

departments were collected and converted. The application was built using ESRI’s

ArcGIS Server Enterprise Advance and Adobe’s Flex Builder software. The layers in the

mapping application are considered mapping services that are generated by ArcMap

documents. ArcMap documents were created for each department and consisted of data

from the geodatabase. The web application was created by following examples that were

provided by ESRI. Listed below are a few example uses of the web mapping application:

Locate a particular physical address and zoom to the location

Search for a water or electric meter by ID number

Businesses and residences can be searched for by utility account #

Display all city utility networks (Water, Electric, Telecommunications, and

Wastewater)

Ability to view attributes about a particular feature within the datasets (ex: pipe

size, transformer wattage, light type)

View parcel and zoning information for any location

Draw and highlight your own areas of interest using the application tools

Have the ability to get precise measurements using tools and the aerial maps

Figure 18 shows the initial opening screen of the web mapping application. Once

the user logins, the toolbar in the upper left hand corner of the screen (shown in figure

73

19) is used to navigate and display layers. The layer list shown in figure 20 provides the

ability to toggle layers on and off. There are other tools available from this website. The

address lookup tool is to locate the physical address of businesses and residences. Figure

21 shows a screenshot of this tool. The billing account number lookup tool allows the

user to enter the billing account number and displays the house or building it is associated

with. A screenshot of this tool is shown in figure 22. The web mapping application also

allows the user to display attribute tables for features. Figure 23 shows the water hydrant

attribute table. The search and identify tool shown in figure 24 allows the user to identify

and search any features within the system. Figure 25 shows an example of using the

identify tool on a sewer manhole. The draw tool in figure 26 allows the user to create

their own custom map by adding items such as points, lines, freehand lines, polygons,

freehand polygons, and text to the map. The printing tool shown in figure 27 allows the

user to print their own map and add items such as title, subtitle, and notes.

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Figure 18. Web Mapping Application Initial Screen

Figure 19. Main Toolbar for Application

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Figure 20. Layers List

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Figure 21. Locate Address Tool

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Figure 22. Billing Account Number Lookup Tool

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Figure 23. Attribute Table Tool

Figure 24. Search and Identify Tool

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Figure 25. Example Use of Search/Identify Tool

Figure 26. Draw and Measure Tool

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Figure 27. Print Tool

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CHAPTER 6

ANALYSIS RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The implementation and development of the utility GIS was completed in a three-

year time frame. The system is continuously being updated with new layers of data. The

development of the GIS is a never ending, ongoing project because of the applications,

tools, and analyses each department requests. The GIS today is being used by all

departments on a daily basis. The system has become a tool that the departments depend

on to carry out their daily functions and decision making. The GIS provides these

departments with the ability to analyze and manage their entire infrastructure. The system

provides each department with linked data from the billing, work order, and AMR

systems. The locations of the features are very accurate and precise compared to the old

CAD mapping techniques used. The data is now stored in a geodatabase which provides

an unlimited amount of information to be linked to the features in their infrastructure.

Compared to the old CAD system, the GIS has improved the efficiency of the

departments greatly by reducing the amount of time needed to carry out daily processes.

A few examples of the time saved by using the GIS are listed below by departments.

Water Department

The CAD drawings had no meter locations. The GIS now provides the department

with accurate location of all meters for replacement purposes.

Address lookup for work orders saves time for the work crews when responding

to a service call. The CAD system provided no physical address data.

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Real time reading of meters allows the Electric and Water Departments to view

the reading by clicking on the meter in the GIS. Prior to the AMR and GIS

implementation, meter readers were used in the field to record readings.

The Water Department is now able to easily perform consumption analysis by

using the readings from the meters in GIS.

Water valve isolation of system when leaks occur was a huge problem before the

GIS was implemented. The location of the valves in the CAD drawings was not

accurate, which wasted a lot of time in the field trying to locate them.

Mapping of leaks in the GIS now provide the Water Department with the location

of future rehabilitation of certain pipes in the system.

Management of backflow testing for businesses was managed by a long paper

trail in the past. The GIS now provides the Water Department with locations of all

the backflows and links to the test results.

Utility locate requests are now being done mostly in the office using GIS instead

of in the field.

Sewer Department

Inflow and Infiltration project is managed based on data from GIS. The drainage

basins were developed by using a combination of elevation and feature data. The

department had no inflow and infiltration mapping in the past.

GIS provides the crews with physical address lookups for work orders. Prior to

GIS the crews had to use paper street maps with no house numbers.

Inspection videos are now attached to each pipe segment allowing quick access to

viewing.

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The sewer CAD drawings had no locations of the service laterals in the system.

The GIS now has a number of service lateral locations that were identified by

reviewing the inspection videos.

The CAD drawings had no monitor manhole locations. The GIS has all monitor

manhole locations with data attached.


of in the field.

Electric Department

Daily mapping of work orders in the past with the CAD data was not accurate

which led to time wasted in the field. The GIS has provided the crews with

accurate mapping that can be relied upon in the field.

The department now has the ability to read the meters from the GIS instead of

having to read them in the field.

Measuring distances for proposed lines in the office instead of in the field has

saved the department a lot of time.

Physical address data in the GIS has helped the crews quickly identify the

location of outages.


of in the field saving time and resources.

The departments now have access to all utility datasets by using the web mapping

GIS. Figure 28 shows a screenshot of the web mapping application with the water layer

turned on. Figure 29 shows a screenshot of the web mapping application with the sewer

layer turned on. Figure 30 shows a screenshot of the web mapping application with the

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electric layer turned on. The map in figure 31 shows the overall service area of the water

system. Figure 32 shows the overall service area for the sewer system. The map in figure

33 shows the overall service area for the electric system.

Figure 28. Water Layer GIS Application

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Figure 29. Sewer Layer GIS Application

Figure 30. Electric Layer GIS Application

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Figure 31. Overview of Calhoun Water System

87

Figure 32. Overview of Calhoun Sewer System

88

Figure 33. Overview of Calhoun Electric System

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Challenges and Solutions

Overall the biggest challenge with the implementation was learning how each

department operates and how each of the utility systems works. Time was spent with

each of the departments’ field crews to learn exactly how they operate on a daily basis.

The electrical system was the most challenging because the system is made up of so

many components and these components had to be modeled in GIS.

Another challenge during the implementation was organizational issues and

coordination that occurred from the departments. Meetings had to be organized with each

department on a weekly basis to review the data conversion and status. Scheduling the

meetings with the departments in the beginning was challenging. Once the departments

started using the GIS more consistently, they came to realize the value of it. A meeting

with each department is now held weekly for input and ideas about the GIS.

Training issues were also a challenge in the beginning with each department.

Each of the departments is responsible for its own data. The data in most cases has to be

updated on a daily basis. The users needed to be trained on how to make edits using GIS.

The users had no prior experience using GIS software. Weekly meetings were held with

each department to cover the fundamentals of the GIS software. The free web courses

offered by ESRI were also used by the staff members to further their training.

Data inconsistency was also a challenge with the data editing. Wrong values were

entered into certain attribute fields. For example, the user enters a pole class number that

does not exist. Attribute domains were applied to all fields in the system to ensure the

consistency of the attribute values.

.

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CHAPTER 7

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

Conclusion

The focus of this research has been to review, explain, and show an example of

how a GIS was developed for the City of Calhoun utility departments. This research

showed how the GIS helped improve the efficiency within each of the utility departments

for the City of Calhoun. The implementation process outlined in this research can provide

other cities and municipalities with the knowledge and foundation to develop their own

GIS. This research can provide individuals with a reference to implement a utility GIS

from the beginning to the end. Using the GIS to manage the City of Calhoun’s utility data

has allowed more flexibility over the previous CAD system when analyzing data. The

management of the utility data has become much more efficient compared to previous

management with CAD. The utilities departments of the City of Calhoun have embraced

GIS and look forward to advancements to the system.

Future Enhancements

This research has shown how the GIS was implemented for the City of Calhoun

and how useful the system has become in such a short period of time. However, there are

more areas that will be addressed in the future to help the departments become even more

efficient.

One area that will be implemented in the near future is geometric networks for

each of the datasets. The geometric networks will ensure correct connectivity and

91

relationships between the features in each dataset. The geometric network will also allow

tracing capabilities throughout the system. This will help in areas like outage

management and water leaks. The geometric network tracing will help identify problem

areas and show what customers are affected by those problems.

Another area of enhancement will be the mobile hardware and applications

deployed in the field. Field crews are currently using ArcMap installed on a laptop in the

vehicles. The field crews have mentioned touch screen tablets with a more user friendly

GIS software to be used outside the vehicle while in the field.

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References

Cannistra, J.R., 1999. Converting utility data for a GIS. American Water Works

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opportunities for success. Urban and Regional Information Systems Association

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IMPLEMENTING AN GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM … · implementing a utility geographic information system for water, sewer, and electric a thesis presented to the department of geology