AM/FM/GIS Modeling to support Power System Planning
Complimentary Application Architectures
Often, the facility data is simply extracted from the GIS to an analysis package to
perform load flow analysis, fault analysis, motor start analysis, capacitor
placement optimization, and switching optimization. Through complementary
application architectures, these capabilities can be built into the GIS to provide
the distribution engineer a set of powerful analytical tools in a single environment.
The integrated environment is beneficial in many ways. The user has access to
all GIS functions without the mental and physical context switch between
applications. He has the ability to easily include proposed changes – near term
adjustments as well as long-range planning information.
The user can immediately adjust his designs based on feedback from the
integrated analysis. In separate applications, the user would have to make notes
of the changes to make and then find that data within the GIS. In the integrated
workflow, the user is in the right context immediately.
Additionally, the integrated environment provides a better geographic
presentation of the data including backdrop data (landbase and street context).
Finally, enterprise data is readily available without the prerequisite extract and
import into the analysis tool.
Summary
You can build a partnership between your GIS application and your analysis
program. By considering aspects of both applications as you configure your data
model, you can overcome the daunting level of details. You must strive for
simplicity of implementation so that you build a maintainable integration.
Enterprise data can augment the intelligence of the analysis. This partnership
will reap long-term benefits for your organization.
