Distributed GIS Data
Dana J. Kahle
Wisconsin Electriz
333 W. Everett St. A259
Milwaukee, Wi. 53201
Abstract
The value of GIS data is in its ability to be used by the enterprise. To be successful, GIS
data must be made easily available and usable for Marketing, Planning, Design,
Construction, Maintenance, Analysis and Asset Management. “In house” or “in the
field”, the requirements are similar. Packaging and distribution of GIS data in the
electric utility industry historically has been a challenge. From what data to distribute, to
the method of distribution, to the training of the GIS data user, there are a number of
paths one can take. In these times of technical know-how and willingness to embrace
the technology, balancing the user needs, the cost and future direction of GIS data
packaging and distribution is essential. This “Case Study” explores these considerations
and develops a GIS data viewing specification, a GIS data distribution process, a GIS
viewing tool for multiple and varied user needs and platforms, an implementation plan
and the importance of communication and partnering with users and vendors to
develop a solution that works for the enterprise from a business operations perspective.
Oou Situation
In 1996, WEPCO was in the process of changing technologies from one GIS vendor to
another was in place. The former technology relied upon the creation of hpgl plot files
to convert to aperture card images to be viewed at reader/printers in various locations.
There was a plan in place to distribute a homegrown data viewing application built on
the future technology to “UNIX kiosks” in the locations where the reader/printers were
being utilized. At the same time all office employees were being rolled out to a network
using Microsoft Windows 3.1. This seemed to be diverging corporate strategies that
needed to be brought back on track.
At that time there were approx. 40 aperture card reader/printers in various stages of
disrepair and a process which occurred not so faithfully on a monthly schedule that
would result in files created, a disk cut and mailed to a vendor to have aperture cards
made and returned for distribution to our 40+ sites and 100+ users. This process was,
if it were to be maintained, a costly venture. At the time the reader/printers were
approx. $20k each and the process costs were larger than they looked on the surface.
The creation, handling and filing efforts were made more evident when our company
went through a reengineering of sorts with the elimination of many clerical positions
that were in charge of the maintenance of the aperture cards (filing). The process had
to be streamlined and accomplished with fewer people along with addressing the
accuracy and timeliness issues had to be addressed. This was an opportunity to provide a solution that improved the process and introduced the business users of GIS data to
electronic viewing.
A GIS viewing strategy that fit the business needs was necessary.
