The Application of GIS Technology in Planning and Maintaining Distribution and Collection Systems

by Mehmet D. Kutsal, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc, Walnut Creek, United States,
Daniel H. Leighton, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc, Walnut Creek, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Civil Engineering Applications of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems

Abstract:

To date, the use of geographic information in the planning and maintenance of distribution and collection systems has been limited to AM/FM systems. However, the needs of engineers while planning and maintaining distribution and collection systems go beyond just mapping it and performing queries about it on a database. In the process of planning distribution and collection systems, one needs to be able to perform many iterations of a geography based visual analysis on the spot as well as producing accurate and detailed final maps. In the process of managing distribution and collection systems, one needs to be able to arrive at tabular answers starting from a spatial question as well as obtaining spatially represented results stemming from tabular queries. These facts alone show that the use of GIS technology in distribution and collection systems planning and maintenance can not be limited to AM/FM systems. In CDM's experience, to plan and maintain distribution and collection systems, one needs access to Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Land Information Systems (LIS), Network Information Systems (NIS), and Automated Mapping/Facilities Management Systems (AM/FM) technologies. One also must adopt a policy which ensures the longevity of the data which is central to the whole effort. This paper will outline this experience and highlight when and where overlaps occur and how to resolve them to maximize the effectiveness of a planning and maintenance project for a distribution or a collection system.

Subject Headings: Geographic information systems | Information systems | Systems management | Mapping | Data collection | Information management | Maintenance and operation

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