GIS Case Studies

GIS Case Studies

While all ArcGIS/ArcFM implementations have their unique aspects, many design elements and implementation tasks are similar from project to project. Here we’ve tried to assemble a set of data-focused project experiences that may be common to a task you’re trying to accomplish or requirement you hope to meet. Hopefully you’ll find some nugget from among these cases that proves helpful. Finally, if there’s a topic not listed you’d like to see discussed, please let us know.

Unexpected uses for an Electric Connectivity Extract

Unexpected uses for an Electric Connectivity Extract

We created a “Device Connectivity” table from an ArcFM™ Feeder Manager-managed electric distribution network to support a single, isolated business function. In the course of a year’s time we found and implemented multiple applications all taking advantage of the same table. Could have been a little serendipitous, but in our case the initial investment proved quite worthwhile.

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Seriously Fast ArcFM Designer QA

Seriously Fast ArcFM Designer QA

Sometimes quality assurance processing can be, shall we say, um… sluggish. We recently had an experience where ArcFM™/Designer QA performance was quite so. This article describes how we diagnosed performance issues and ultimately improved things. A lot.

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Multiple ArcGIS Geometry Fields on a Feature Class

Multiple ArcGIS Geometry Fields on a Feature Class

In a previous post we discussed methods for providing multiple geometries for a given feature. The options described included ArcSchematics, cartographic representations and use of related feature classes. In this post we take on a similar but different topic of creating an additional geometry definition in an existing feature class that is managed entirely by a custom application.

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Migrating the “Unusual” into ArcGIS/ArcFM

Migrating the “Unusual” into ArcGIS/ArcFM

Migrating data from well-known technologies such as AutoCAD, Microstation or Smallworld has established processes and infrastructure. This post addresses aspects and strategies to be applied when the migration source is not so well-known.

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Jeopardy – the ArcGIS/ArcFM Edition

Jeopardy – the ArcGIS/ArcFM Edition

We've done a lot of serious case studies in the past year. This one's for a little fun. Enjoy!

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ArcGIS/ArcFM Dirty Feeder Detection

ArcGIS/ArcFM Dirty Feeder Detection

Feeder definitions are often extracted from an electric GIS database and loaded into other business-critical applications like OMS, DMS and system planning. Typically it’s impractical to export *all* feeders all the time. Detecting those that have changed - and thus "dirty" - becomes an important part of the process.

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ArcFM Water Pressure System Tracing

ArcFM Water Pressure System Tracing

The configurability of the ArcFM Solution many times lets us match functionality to our data model - and not have to adjust the data model to achieve needed functionality. This post provides an example for a water distribution system

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ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling:  URD Opens

ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: URD Opens

The ArcGIS Electric Data Model provides data structures to define URD open points, but how you represent them in your Geodatabase depends on your company's requirements. This post describes some options.

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All About that (Move to) Base…

All About that (Move to) Base…

The register as versioned "Move to Base" option that is. This post takes a deep dive into whether it might make sense to take advantage of it.

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ADMS Data Quality: How Good is Good Enough? (Part 2)

ADMS Data Quality: How Good is Good Enough? (Part 2)

In a previous post on GIS data quality required to support an ADMS implementation we posed the question "How Good Is Good Enough?" This post digs in to some more of the detail needed to answer that question.

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ArcFM Proposed Equipment (Part 1)

ArcFM Proposed Equipment (Part 1)

Management of proposed equipment may seem straightforward but can complicated quickly. However, just because its complicated doesn't mean its not a requirement. This post outlines some considerations.

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ArcGIS Archiving (Part 3)

ArcGIS Archiving (Part 3)

As we've addressed in previous posts, ArcGIS Archiving provides value you can't get any other way with the core technology. This post offers a few notes of caution to be aware of before you jump.

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ADMS Data Quality: How Good is Good Enough? (Part I)

ADMS Data Quality: How Good is Good Enough? (Part I)

As ADMS tecnology increases in popularity so must GIS data quality improve to support it. This is the first post in a series where we explore GIS-ADMS data quality needs.

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ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Why the Three Normal Position Fields?

ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Why the Three Normal Position Fields?

Unlike other electric distribution data models, the ArcGIS Electric model provides three fields for normal position in a switch/protective device. This post explores a little of the background to why.

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ArcFM: What Happened to My AutoUpdaters?

ArcFM: What Happened to My AutoUpdaters?

Its rare, but ArcFM AutoUpdaters can stop working. However, they don't stop on their own, there is always an underlying reason. This post can help with the diagnosis and resolution.

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ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Electric Distribution Transformers

ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Electric Distribution Transformers

This post explores the way distribution transformers are represented in the ArcGIS/ArcFM electric model, and particularly the modeling of connectivity to support tracing.

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ArcFM Feeder Manager Feeder Head (AKA Circuit Source)

ArcFM Feeder Manager Feeder Head (AKA Circuit Source)

ArcFM's Feeder Manager expects a "head" from which downstream equipment is energized. Turns out this can mean different things to different implementations. This post explores strategies we've seen.

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ArcGIS Geometric Network:  What’s Up With the Extra Vertices?

ArcGIS Geometric Network: What’s Up With the Extra Vertices?

You may (or may not) have noticed that an extra vertex is added on line crossing when you build a geometric network. This post explores the details.

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ArcMap Edit Tracking – For Every Edit

ArcMap Edit Tracking – For Every Edit

While ArcGIS Archiving can track all edits performed in your Geodatabase at a system level. But Archiving might not be for you. This post discusses some options.

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ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Overhead Neutral Wire

ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Overhead Neutral Wire

This post explores modeling utility infrastructure components within ArcGIS/ArcFM. Here we'll talk about Overhead Neutral Wire.

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ArcFM Pole-Conductor Relationships

ArcFM Pole-Conductor Relationships

The standard electric models are a little fuzzy on the topic. This post explores three options we've implemented in past projects.

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Multiple ArcGIS Feature Geometries

Multiple ArcGIS Feature Geometries

Some business cases call for multiple depictions of mapped features based on the anticipated use of the data. Not moving things around like white space management, but using multiple geometries. We explore the available approaches.

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ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Electric Distribution Conductors

ArcGIS Utility Data Modeling: Electric Distribution Conductors

This post is the first in a series in which we’ll explore specifics of modeling utility infrastructure components within ArcGIS/ArcFM. To start we’ll address electric distribution conductors.

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ArcMap Feature Caching Strategies

ArcMap Feature Caching Strategies

We're always looking for ways to speed up routine tasks. When applied with a little forethought ArcMap Feature Caching can be a friend here.

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ArcGIS Archiving (Part 2)

ArcGIS Archiving (Part 2)

In a previous post we addressed several important capabilities offeredd by ArcGIS Archiving. But the subject is too big for a single post.

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Smart ArcGIS CAD Entity Import

Smart ArcGIS CAD Entity Import

Given that there always will be users creating map content in AutoCAD and Microstation it makes sense to have a smart way to incorporate that content into your Geodatabase.

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ArcGIS Archiving for Utility Geodatabases (Part 1)

ArcGIS Archiving for Utility Geodatabases (Part 1)

ArcGIS Archiving provides a product-based solution for answering questions like: When did this (gas main, service, conductor) get deleted? This post provides a preliminary deep-dive.

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ArcGIS Substation Details – Pros and Cons

ArcGIS Substation Details – Pros and Cons

With advanced distribution system analysis applications there are new drivers for potentially including substation details inside your electric Geodatabase. This post explores some reasons why you might or might not want to.

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Node Valence for ArcGIS Network Troubleshooting

Node Valence for ArcGIS Network Troubleshooting

When validating your utility geometric network connectivity one of the hardest things to do is figuring out what exactly is connected to what. Rendering junction "valence" can help.

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Using ArcGIS to Discover Pipeline Welded Joint Locations

Using ArcGIS to Discover Pipeline Welded Joint Locations

This case study examines a potentially hazardous condition for which we can identify candidate locations.

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Combining ArcFM Feeder Manager Phase Fields

Combining ArcFM Feeder Manager Phase Fields

Phase designation and phase configuration are similar but different properties. Here's a way to combine them into one field.

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The Value of ArcGIS Turbo Layers

The Value of ArcGIS Turbo Layers

They’re not for everyone. And you can’t use them all the time. But in the right circumstance turbo layers can put your vector displays on a Starbucks IV.

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ArcFM Valve Isolation and Pressure Data

ArcFM Valve Isolation and Pressure Data

ArcFM Valve Isolation tracing provides very valuable functionality. If you don't have all the data it expects, here's a way to simulate it.

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Prepping CAD Sources for an ArcFM Data Migration

Prepping CAD Sources for an ArcFM Data Migration

Migrating AutoCAD or Microstation data into ArcFM has been done many times, and can be straightforward. But usually the best results come with thoughtful preparation.

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ArcFM Cathodic Protection — Bond Junctions

ArcFM Cathodic Protection — Bond Junctions

In most cases you would expect an ArcFM CP trace include all connected CP features. This entry describes a case where you may not.

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Automating (parts of) ArcFM UFM Data Migration

Automating (parts of) ArcFM UFM Data Migration

The ArcFM UFM tools are a great way to manage underground facilities components. This post describes how some parts of a migration can be automated.

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Setting Defaults in ArcFM Data Migration… or Not

Setting Defaults in ArcFM Data Migration… or Not

There are pros and cons to setting default values on migration into ArcFM. Just make a conscious decision about your approach.

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Creating “Container” Polygons for ArcFM Station Equipment

Creating “Container” Polygons for ArcFM Station Equipment

In most cases if a company has equipment located inside a “container” – like an electric or gas station - a polygon container already exists. This post discusses an approach when you don't.

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Estimating ArcFM Data Migration Effort: Its not all about Record Counts

Estimating ArcFM Data Migration Effort: Its not all about Record Counts

Record counts alone are usually not a good predictor of effort to migrate from one electronic source to another.

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Loading Fiber Optic Cable into ArcFM Fiber Manager

Loading Fiber Optic Cable into ArcFM Fiber Manager

The foundation of a ArcFM Fiber Manager implementation is the Fiber Manager "flexible data model."

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ArcFM Gas Trace Weight Inspector

ArcFM Gas Trace Weight Inspector

ArcFM uses trace weight fields to inform its tracing functions about attribute values used to decide whether to go or stop. Here we show a tool that interprets gas trace weights, similar to the ArcFM Electric Trace Weight Inspector.

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The Importance of Data Migration Anomalies

The Importance of Data Migration Anomalies

Dealing with anomalies is an important aspect of ensuring a high quality data migration.

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ArcFM Substation Equipment Trace

ArcFM Substation Equipment Trace

ArcFM Feeder Manager typically considers a "source" to be a substation circuit breaker. In some cases one might also consider as sources step-down transformers (either inside or outside of the substation).

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Transforming Smallworld Internal Worlds into ArcGIS

Transforming Smallworld Internal Worlds into ArcGIS

Transforming equipment from "Internal Worlds" is often a requirement when migrating data from Smallworld GIS into an ArcFM Geodatabase. This Case Study reviews some of the critical steps.

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(Is) Breaking Bad?

(Is) Breaking Bad?

At what points do you “break” or “split” lines for network (or non-network) equipment and at what point do you simply “connect” equipment to the line without splitting. The difference can be important.

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