Geographic Information Systems

Geographic information systems (GIS) are systems designed for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the Earth.

Role of Information Technology in Distribution System Management Initially, computers handled data only in alphanumeric form. GIS is an importantant tool in this area. Geographic Information Systems is a system of mapping of complete electrical network including low voltage system and customer supply points with latitude and longitudes overload on satellite imaging and/or survey of India maps. Layers of information are contained in these map representations. The first layer corresponds to the distribution network coverage. The second layer corresponds to the land background containing roads, landmarks, buildings, rivers, railway crossings etc. The next layer could contain information on the equipment viz poles, conductors transformers etc. Most of the electrical network/equipment have a geographical location and the full benefit of any network improvement can be had only if the work is carried out in the geographical context. Business processes such as network planning, repair operations and maintenance connection and reconnection has also to be based around the network model. Even while dong something as relatively simple as adding a new service connection, it is vital to know that users of the system are not affected by this addition. GIS in conjunction with system analysis tools helps to do just this.

For efficient and reliable operation of a distribution system, a reliable and well knit communication network is required to facilitate project coordination of the maintenance and fault activities of the distribution system. GIS when integrated with real time SCADA can help in sending the right signals to the communication network. Outages can be isolated faster than even before and maintenance crews dispatched with critical information including location of the fault.>Role of Information Technology in Distribution System Management Initially, computers handled data only in alphanumeric form. GIS is an importantant tool in this area. Geographic Information Systems is a system of mapping of complete electrical network including low voltage system and customer supply points with latitude and longitudes overload on satellite imaging and/or survey of India maps. Layers of information are contained in these map representations. The first layer corresponds to the distribution network coverage. The second layer corresponds to the land background containing roads, landmarks, buildings, rivers, railway crossings etc. The next layer could contain information on the equipment viz poles, conductors transformers etc. Most of the electrical network/equipment have a geographical location and the full benefit of any network improvement can be had only if the work is carried out in the geographical context. Business processes such as network planning, repair operations and maintenance connection and reconnection has also to be based around the network model. Even while dong something as relatively simple as adding a new service connection, it is vital to know that users of the system are not affected by this addition. GIS in conjunction with system analysis tools helps to do just this.

For efficient and reliable operation of a distribution system, a reliable and well knit communication network is required to facilitate project coordination of the maintenance and fault activities of the distribution system. GIS when integrated with real time SCADA can help in sending the right signals to the communication network. Outages can be isolated faster than even before and maintenance crews dispatched with critical information including location of the fault.

GIS can be used in distribution systems management for: