Blueprint For Mobile Mapping: A Case Study
J. P. Lemieux
Union Gas Ltd. 50 Keil Drive N Chatham, Ontario N7M 5M1 Canada
Joseph A. Giuliano
Byers Engineering Company 6285 Barfield Road Atlanta, Georgia 30328
Abstract
In an era of increasing competition and deregulation of the gas industry, Union Gas Limited
(Union) is responding by bolstering its information technology (IT) infrastructure and
automating its field force. With the knowledge that competitive pricing, responsiveness, and
quality service are the key factors to growth, it is necessary to provide front-line employees the
information needed to make good business decisions. Specifically, Union is replacing an
obsolete microfilm map distribution system for its field workers. The Microfilm Replacement
Project is an extension of Union’s implementation of an automated mapping/facilities
managementigeographic information system (AM/FM/GIS) system which will totally automate
map and record functionality. This project is an initial step toward a paperless environment,
which ties office functions to the field, and will culminate in an integrated work management and
records distribution system.
This paper is a case study and provides a blueprint for other companies planning a digital map
distribution system. The presenters will cover the hardware/software evaluation process, user
acceptance criteria, and developing a workable roll-out strategy. There is an emphasis on real-world
experience and lessons learned.
Company Overview
Union Gas Limited is an integrated natural gas storage, transmission, and distribution utility
serving about 712,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southwestern Ontario,
Canada. The company’s distribution system serves an area extending from Windsor, Ontario
(Detroit, Michigan) to Toronto, Ontario.
Union also provides storage and transportation services for other companies and natural gas
utilities in Ontario, Quebec, and the United States (U.S.). Union’s system forms an important
part of the North American delivery system bringing natural gas to Eastern markets from
Western Canadian and U.S. supply basins. Total throughput for fiscal 1995 was almost 25
billion cubic metres (82 billion cubic feet).
The company employs approximately 2,600 men and women. The head office is located in
Chatham, Ontario with four regional offices in Windsor, London, Waterloo, and Hamilton. The
company’s utility operations are regulated under the Ontario Energy Board Act and the Energy
Act (Ontario).
Union is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westcoast Energy Inc., a leader in the North American
natural gas industry. Headquartered in Vancouver, Westcoast’s interests include gas pipelines,
processing, storage, distribution, power generation, and gas services businesses. In 1994,
Westcoast had assets of more than $7 billion and employed about 6,000 people.
Project Background
AM/FM/GIS System
In 1989, Union initiated a project known as Union’s Networked Information Verification and
Integrated Resource System (UNIVIRS). UNIVIRS is a complete mapping and facilities
inventory system. It is the core system upon which all future facilities management projects will
be built.
There are two major office components to the AM/FM/GIS system. The first consists of
workstations that are provided to the drafting personnel to update the facility model. This system
is a distributed client/server application using the NT operating system. The workstations
interact with the database using Intergraph’s FRAMME application. The workstations provide
full edit and view capabilities to the facility database for desktop users.
The second component is a read-only application that allows office personnel the ability to view
the maps and associated database information. This application is a Windows client accessing an
NT server running Oracle. The Map Viewer software is provided by Byers Engineering
Company.
Extending AM/FM to the Field
After the office applications were in place, the next step was to extend data access to the front
line construction and maintenance employees. The objective of the microfilm replacement
project is to equip field crews with as much information as the person in the office. Union
embraces the concept of empowering the field workers by providing them the information
needed to make informed business decisions.
Microfilm readers were being used in more than 200 service trucks for field crews to view maps.
However, this system only provided a geographic representation of the facilities, and did not
provide details on structures. To retrieve the necessary information, field crews were required to
call into the office. This created disruptions in the flow of office work and decreased efficiency
in the field.
A portable computer was envisioned that would provide for improved information access, reduce
inquiries to the office, and eliminate the microfilm media which was cumbersome.
Proiect Approach
A team approach was employed to evaluate the technology and processes involved in bringing
data to the field. The team was composed of field construction and maintenance representatives,
field supervisors, transportation personnel, and information technology coordinators. An outside
consultant and software vendor also contributed to the team. The team had full support from
senior management.
The project phases conducted included a prototype evaluation, a pilot evaluation, approval, then
the fill implementation roll-out.
Technology Protopype Evaluation
Several considerations should be addressed in a prototype. It is worthwhile to evaluate various
technology features at this stage, such as computer hardware, CD-ROM, printers, and application
software.
Assumptions
In the Spring of 1995, Union conducted its prototype phase of the microfilm replacement project.
It was helpful to form some assumptions before entering into the prototype. This provided a
basis for testing different configurations. These assumptions included the following:
- The in-office viewing application needs would be interchangeable between the desktop PC
and a mobile computer.
- The field units would be pen-based tablets and a pen would be more accepted as a pointing
device.
- On occasion the field units would be used outside of the vehicles.
- The docking station in the vehicle would require a customized design to integrate the printer
and CD-ROM within one unit.
- Printing in the field would be a valuable asset.
- For our application, colour screens would be better than a monochrome display, but outside
of the vehicle, viewing may be difficult.
- The operating environment would be hard on the field units.
- A briefcase type solution providing total portability would be better than a fixed pedestal
mount solution.
- Battery life would be a concern if used outside of the vehicle for long periods of time.
