Electric utility operational support using GIS
Bill Strongman
West Kootenay Power Ltd.
PO Box 130
Trail, British Columbia,
Canada, V1R 4L4
J. Lance Maidlow
Kanotech Information Systems Ltd.
Suite 200, 17704 103 Ave
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada, T5S 1J9
Background
The Company
West Kootenay Power is a small vertically integrated electrical utility servicing about
120,000 customers in the southern interior of British Columbia. It has 4 small (50 MW)
hydro-electric generating plants, 950 miles of transmission lines and 5,700 miles of
distribution lines (both overhead and underground).
Logic (Geographical Plant)
Electric utility plant is geographic by nature. Unlike other industries that have all the
facilities in a small area, utilities have plant that is spread out over hundreds or thousands of
square miles. Thus, the logical means of tracking facilities is through maps. A database
linked to a mapping system allows information about the assets to be represented graphically.
Inserting information through the mapping system allows for improved data management.
The Mapping System
The application architecture, developed by Kanotech Information Systems, has all data stored
on an external SQL compliant database (MS Access) with only database keys maintained
within the AutoCAD Map drawing files. A node-line structure was adopted for the basic
database structure. In this model, each critical point (typically a pole or a pad) is defined as a
node in the system. Each is assigned a NODE_ID and x, y and z coordinates. This
information is stored in the system in a LOCATION_NODE table that is referenced by all
other tables in the system.
Visual Basic was adopted as the primary development tool for database applications. The
AM/FM inventory system utilizes a VB framework and a series of standard components that
can be modified and updated as changes take place in the core technology. Bi-directional
interfaces between the application and the underlying GIS software are provided by
Kanotech's Universal Database Interface (UDI) which is a series of OLE Automation
Servers.
The AutoCAD Map interface contains a series of automated drafting tools that make
extensive use of AutoCAD Map Menus, Visual LISP and ARX utilities. These tools are
designed to assist users during the drafting process and ensure that the correct symbology and
layering is employed and that the database linkages are maintained. Utilities are also
provided to permit users to update multiple database attributes simultaneously.
With this system, mapping technicians can produce standardized distribution plots showing
all the distribution facilities, both overhead and underground for the regional operating
divisions. In addition, specialty plots can be produced that show only information needed by
the requestor. For example, a regional operating group may require a map showing only the
underground distribution network in order to undertake a maintenance program.
The following are two examples of applications developed in support of specific areas of
operations. Applications to support other operations have been developed or are under
development.
