Engineering

Keywords: GIS, EAMS, Asset Management, Enterprise Information

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; PS; P; EN; DD; AI

At Denver Water, the utilization of geospatial technology has evolved from a standalone mapping system to a critical component of the organization’s enterprise asset management system (EAMS), among its many uses. Because of the wide-ranging business needs that require the ability to manage spatially diverse assets effectively, the enterprise implementation of the GIS has taken on new meaning and continues to play an important role in decision making. The evolution of geospatial technology at Denver Water now impacts nearly every aspect of the utility from planning to engineering, operations and maintenance, accounting, and public affairs. The advanced utilization of geospatial technology enables end users to link asset attributes with location data to illustrate relationships and patterns that would otherwise be difficult to discern.

Improving Asset Integrity and Reliability with 3-D Mapping
Todd Porter, Geospatial Corporation
Copresenter: Linda Ward, Geospatial Corporation

Keywords: 3D Mapping, location, condition, assessment, time saving, cost saving

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; M; TR; P; S; EN; DD; AI

In order to effectively maintain, rehabilitate, or install pipelines and underground infrastructure, stakeholders must identify where assets are located and manage this data effectively. Three-dimensional (3-D) locations (XYZ) of pipelines can be achieved using various technologies. These technologies can coincide with additional condition assessment tools to provide accurate pipeline positional information along with geo-referenced pipeline condition assessment data such as CCTV video, leak detection data and interior and exterior corrosion data. Once gathered, this information can be managed effectively through GIS.

Data Quality and the Smart Grid
Geoff Zeiss, Autodesk, Inc.

Keywords: Smart-grid Data Quality Network Infrastructure Utilities

Vertical Interest Tags: PS; E; EN; DD; II

The reliability of our electric power grid is decreasing while our dependence on it is increasing. A smart grid is much more complicated than our current grid. Managing and operating the new smart grid is going to require a reliable digital model of the grid, based on accurate, up-to-date engineering information. The common causes of poor data quality will be discussed, and examples of working solutions for addressing these challenges will be presented.

Combining GIS with 3-D Laser Scanning and LiDAR to Support Alternative Energy Projects
Steven Bein, RBF Consulting
Copresenter: Larry Truman, RBF Consulting

Keywords: Alternatve Energy 3D GIS LiDAR 3D Laser Scanning Google Earth Solar Potential Wind Potential Electric GIS Integration

Vertical Interest Tags: PS; E; S; EN; GR; W    

This presentation will cover how to leverage GIS and ground-based 3-D laser scanning and aerial LiDAR technologies to efficiently analyze and view alternative green energy projects. Using Google Earth and ArcGIS environments, we use the 3-D data for siting projects based on physical constraints and to calculate the energy potential from wind and solar. Case studies will include sites as large as 4,300 acres and as small as a single rooftop. Each attendee will take away a basic understanding of how these technologies work together and how they can be applied to green energy projects to reduce greenhouse gases and build a better future.

Improving Electric Utility Land Information Management Using ArcGIS Server and FLEX
Rich Lopez, SRP
Copresenters: Robert W. Finkle, IT Nexus, Inc.; Hyrum Ernstom; IT Nexus, Inc.

Keywords: Land records automation, ArcGIS Server, FLEX, web-GIS, document management, GIS-DMS integration

Vertical Interest Tags: PS; E; EN; DD; WM; W

SRP’s Land Records Division created a Web-GIS Land Records Information Management System (LRIMS) to dramatically improve the efficiency and ease with which users access the organization’s scanned land records documents. The LRIMS-Flex application includes a sophisticated security model that controls document access privileges across a wide number of user groups. This presentation provides a technical briefing on the creation of the LRIMS-Flex application with a short demonstration of the capabilities of the application.

Creating and Managing a True Spatial Enterprise Database Strategy for Collaborative Applications Across Multiple Departments and Disciplines
Lou Garcia, EA Engineering

Keywords: Data collaboration, efficiency, CAD & GIS

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; T; PS; E; G; M; EN; DD

The ability to create, edit, and store operational data within a single database for use by CAD, GIS, and management has been a long sought desire. A philosophy of data model driven applications versus software dictated data models allows for a common database using numerous front end applications. This presentation centers on the strategies required for planning, implementing, and managing this approach. Multiple departments can utilize a single database, thus maximizing efficiency and operational excellence.

Spatial Analysis in a CAD-Driven GIS
Timothy Jones, Ponderosa Telephone Co.

Keywords: CAD, Spatial Analysis, Map3D, SQL, OASIS, Telco, Utilities, Telecom

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; T; E; G; TR; EN

Independent telephone companies share many of the same business and technical challenges in GIS as utility suppliers and government agencies. In 2003, Ponderosa Telephone implemented an end-to-end technology-integrated GIS solution to increase the value of their GIS data. Maintaining maps and data in a GIS environment has given them the ability to perform GIS analysis to do budget planning for future sites as well automate Form 477 reporting.

Breaking News Panel  • 10:30 - 12:15
Not Your Father's Approach to Geodata Creation and Sharing
Moderator:  Peter Batty, Ubisense
Speakers: Andrew Turner, FortiusOne; Ron Lake, Galdos Systems; James Fee, WeoGeo

Keywords: geodata, creation, sharing, crowdsourcing, OpenStreetMap, Haiti, OGC, GML, KML, GeoRSS

Vertical Interest Tags: E; ER; EN; G; M; P; PS; T; TR; WW; DD, II, CC, W

This panel will look at new approaches to geodata creation and sharing that have emerged in the past few years, and consider how they apply to infrastructure related problems. Crowdsourcing has grown dramatically as a mechanism for creating geospatial data, and has the potential to dramatically reduce the costs associated with geodata creation and maintenance, which of course have traditionally been very high. One of the best known initiatives in this area is OpenStreetMap, and the crowdsourcing approach is also being used by a number of commercial companies including Google, TomTom and others, as well as some government agencies. Crowdsourcing has huge potential in emergency response, and the panel will include a look at how OpenStreetMap contributed enormously to the response to the Haiti earthquake. The panel will also consider approaches to sharing geodata. New lightweight standards like GeoRSS and KML have arguably done more to facilitate sharing of geodata in practice than longer standing more heavyweight standards. Techniques for making geodata accessible to search engines like Google, rather than being hidden behind portals, have also contributed to our ability to easily share data. These and other developments will be discussed by the panel.

Streamlined Methods to Collect and Maintain GPS and Attribute Information for Utility Assets
Savoy Yazzie, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority
Copresenter: Jake Opdahl, CartoPac Field Solutions, Inc.

Keywords: field data collection, GPS, mobile technology, enterprise GIS, digital data collection, ArcFM

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; E; G; M; P; S; EN; DD; AI; WM 

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) needed a field data collection solution that would streamline getting data in and out of the field, plus integrate into their enterprise ESRI/SDE and ArcFM GIS environment. NTUA needed to support field crews, management, and the office GIS simultaneously. The solution NTUA implemented successfully provides a more efficient and streamlined data collection process and is utilized for its water, sewer, electric, and gas assets.

Modeling the Real World
Ton Di Vries, Bentley Systems, Inc.

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; P; S; EN; DD; PH

Keywords: GIS, mapping, model, 3D, land development, cadastre, infrastructure, engineering, workflow

Infrastructure professionals rely heavily on cadastral data. Governments worldwide are planning thousands of new infrastructure projects to stimulate faltering economies and to repair, strengthen, and expand existing structures to avert catastrophes. Though projects will vary widely in scope and nature, planners and engineers will have one common need: information about the land. This session addresses the challenges infrastructure professionals face obtaining accurate land information, streamlining work flows, managing infrastructure information, and collaborating across distributed teams.

Process to Product: Developing a Custom GIS Web Portal
Aaron Gundel, San Jose Water Company
Copresenter: Jeff Hobbs, San Jose Water Company

Keywords: Open Source, GeoServer, OpenLayers, Oracle Spatial, Google API, jQuery, Web Portal, Records Management, AJAX, Web Services

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; TR; P; S; EN; W

San Jose Water Company has taken on an ambitious project to create an ever-evolving GIS facilities tool, GDI Portal. Using the latest Web APIs and open source technologies available (OpenLayers, GeoServer, OpenStreetMap, Google Maps/Earth API, etc.), the portal serves as a window into the company’s GIS data. This talk reviews the portal’s use within the company, and offers a brief overview of the technical aspects and challenges involved with the development of the portal.

Leveraging GIS in a SCADA Implementation
David Nemeth, Panhandle Energy
Copresenter: John Spangler, GE Oil & Gas, PII Pipeline Solutions

Keywords: SCADA, GIS, gas control real-time compressor pressures valve map schematics

Vertical Interest Tags: ER; G; P; S; EN; DD; II; AI

This is a review of Panhandle Energy’s 2009 project to bring together its extensive GIS map data with the dynamic real-time SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) data. The two data sources are rich and complex, but by identifying a cost-effective method to integrate these, Panhandle Energy would eliminate manual creation of SCADA system schematics, prevent data synchronization problems, and eliminate delays in getting data into the GIS as required before first flow.

Protecting Geospatial Information Processing in the Cloud
Andreas Matheus, University of the Bundeswehr

Keywords: Security, Geo Web Services, GIS, Cloud Computing

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; M; TR; P; S; EN; CS; CC; W

The strength of cloud computing is that it dramatically reduces the investment costs for users, required for processing high-volume geospatial data. But in order to have confidential or even classified geospatial data processed in the cloud, service level agreements must ensure the seamless protection of the data. This paper introduces a concept to declare and enforce service level agreements preventing unauthorized use.

High Resolution Risk Assessment Methodologies for Combined and Sanitary Sewer System Advanced Asset Management
Mark A. Liebe, City of Portland
Copresenters: Arnel Mandilag, City of Portland; Joe Hoffman; City of Portland

Keywords: Asset Management; Risk assessment; Sewer Infrastructure

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; PS; EN; DD; AI 

The city of Portland has developed a number of GIS-based, high resolution risk assessment tools and processes for its Advanced Asset Management program in planning sewer work. The methodology involves a wide variety of spatial data correlated to finely resolved asset inventory and inspection records. Factors such as sewer condition grades, remaining useful life, high resolution cost estimation, and risk assessment, among others, provide for a much wider range of management options than previously available.

Offshore Wind Energy GIS Development for the Gulf of Maine
Tim Dec, James W. Sewall Company

Keywords: offshore wind energy, GIS, project siting tool

Vertical Interest Tags: E; EN

Offshore wind energy is a key component of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 20% Wind Energy by 2030 plan, representing over 50 GW of the 300 GW estimated total required by 2030. The Gulf of Maine in particular shows significant promise for offshore wind power development. This presentation covers the groundbreaking use of geographic information systems (GIS) and large-scale geospatial data compilation to identify potential sites in the Gulf of Maine for offshore wind projects.

Interpretation of Ground Subsidence from Interferometric Data Using Geospatial Techniques
Brian Sovik, AMEC
Copresenter: Bibhuti Panda, AMEC

Keywords: GIS, Remote Sensing, Earth Fissures, InSAR, Infrastructure, Subsidence, Geology, Flood Structures

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; T; PS; E; G; TRP; S; EN; AI; PH

Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) are a powerful combination. They form a very unique perspective of the behavior of ground subsidence resulting from the decline of groundwater in alluvial aquifers. When it comes to large infrastructure in central Arizona—such as flood retarding structures—knowing what is happening on our landscape is critical. This presentation will share information about the culmination of various geospatial sciences and technologies.

The Next Steps for Advanced Risk-based Asset Renewal Forecasting
Dilip Kumar, MWH Global, Inc.

Keywords: Water, Wastewater, Electric, Gas, Telecommunication, Asset Management

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; T; PS; E; G; TR; P; EN; II; CC; AI    

As utilities across the U.S. have started to make advances toward a more risk-based approach to asset renewal forecasting, two challenges have arisen: 1) the lack of reliable, local data on the expected lives of assets, and 2) the need to effectively coordinate with the plans of other city departments (e.g., streets) to maximize the cost-effectiveness of pipeline renewal efforts. This presentation will cover pilot studies at two major cities in the U.S. where these challenges are being addressed with sophisticated data analysis and decision support tools. These pilot efforts represent the next steps for cities interested in accurate and realistic long-term forecasting of asset renewal investments in order to cost-effectively manage risk.

A Geospatial Solution for Simplifying Profitable Adoption and Management of Alternative Fuels
Chinni Ranganath, Space-Time Insight
Copresenter: Krishna Kumar, Space-Time Insight

Keywords: See how utility companies are using simulated wind generation to forecast transmission hotspots rising from intra-zonal congestions

Vertical Interest Tags: ER; PS; E; G; EN; GR

Learn how geospatial tools use rich 3-D visualization and satellite imagery to simulate post-production operations, asset performance and revenue potential for a range of operating conditions. See how utility companies are using simulated wind generation to forecast transmission hotspots rising from intra-zonal congestions. Learn how Web service feeds from historical wind conditions and how meteorological towers can simulate energy supply in corridors, providing the operations and planning engineers with the parameters needed to select appropriate designs and aid in estimation of equipment maintenance cycles.

Energy InSightsm—“Smart” Technologies at CenterPoint Energy
Cindi Salas, CenterPoint Energy

Keywords: AMI; AMS; AMR; ARRA; Smart Grid; Smart Meters; Electric

Vertical Interest Tags: E; EN; M; T; DD; II; AI; AR

Energy InSightsm is CenterPoint Energy’s system of integrated “smart” energy technologies, including smart meters and associated communications infrastructure and back-office computer systems, designed to give consumers more control over their energy consumption. This presentation will provide an update on our smart meter deployment as well as plans to develop an intelligent electric grid, with the aid of a federal stimulus grant, negotiations for which are pending at the time of writing.  In addition, the use of geospatial technology in these projects will be discussed. 

Spatial Law and Policy
Kevin Pomfret; CantorArkema, P.C.

Keywords: Spatial Law Policy

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; M; TR; P; S; EN; GR

In October 2009, the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA) and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) hosted the Emerging Technology Summit V: Spatial Law in Washington, D.C. The specific intent was to identify the legal and policy issues that will impact the growth in consumer and business applications of geospatial systems, software, and services.

Geospatial Data Sharing Via the Cloud
Brad Sileo, iFactor Consulting

Keywords: SaaS Online Mapping Organizational Trusts Cloud Computing Security Scalability

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; TR; P; S; EN; DD; CC; W   

The increased prominence of cloud computing architectures has changed the way that business-to-business transactions occur. With the addition of mapping technologies, the cloud is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for companies that rely heavily on geospatial information to communicate with each other. This presentation will cover the main issues that companies face when deploying such solutions, including security concerns, Web services and standards, and scalability.

Geospatial Dimensions of Intelligent Infrastructure: ITAG Recap
Matt Ball, Vector1Media

Keywords: smart grid, intelligent infrastructure, Broadband for the Nation, ITAG, GITA, industry trends, SCADA, gathering systems

Vertical Interest Tags: II; E; G; P; PS; T; TR; ER; S; EN; M; WW

The GITA Industry Trends Analysis Group (ITAG) meets on Monday, April 26th to explore the geospatial dimensions of intelligent infrastructure for electric, gas, telecommunications, water/wastewater, public sector, transportation, and pipeline vertical markets. This session will provide a recap of the dialogue from that session, and will provide a means for continued discussions.

The ITAG meeting that is the subject of this recap is tasked with helping define the concept of Intelligent Infrastructure for a variety of different vertical application areas. The recap will include an outline of case study examples from different practitioners with an idea of both challenges and successes. The bottom line focus will be on the creation of more efficient operations with time and cost savings through the application of intelligent models, feedback from sensors, and better processes. There will be time available in this session for more open dialogue and discussions.

Creating GIS Studies to Support Broadband Stimulus Funding Applications
Randall Frantz, ESRI

Keywords: Broadband, mapping, stimulus, planning, engineering, telecommunications,NTIA, government, RUS, FCC

Vertical Interest Tags: T; PS; EN; DD; CC; AR

The stimulus bill awards significant funds for broadband expansion projects and programs. To submit a successful application for these funds, organizations need to plan and justify broadband projects that deliver services to an area population that is unserved or underserved. To determine which areas are lacking sufficient broadband service, maps that depict current broadband coverage are required. GIS solutions enable organizations to create maps that identify qualified areas and justify projects to increase broadband availability.

Geospatial Media Web Services Support Infrastructure Management Operations
David Wright, i-cubed, LLC
Copresenter: Mick Garrett, i-cubed, LLC

Keywords: geospatial digital asset management, geomedia, geospatial web services, REST, mapping

Vertical Interest Tags: WW; ER; T; PS; E; G; M; TR; P; S; EN; II; AI; W   

Document management has become an infrastructure operations cornerstone. However, location data and rich media support are missing in conventional solutions. DataDoor’s Geospatial Asset Management Environment (GAME) establishes digital asset management upon a geospatial foundation supporting documents, video, audio, and photographs within a spatially intelligent, role-based framework. GAME’s RESTful API enables customization on platforms including ESRI ArcGIS, Google Maps, Google Earth, and Microsoft Bing. Organizations leveraging GAME realize significant benefits through improved visibility, collaboration, and documentation.