GITA. We Are Infrastructure.

Case Study: Migrating Fully Integrated CAD Design Tools to a GIS Design Tool
Track: Planning, Design, and Engineering
Corey Clinger, Telcordia Technologies, Inc

Learning Objectives:

Get tips and techniques for large-scale data migration.
Learn how to meet CAD user expectations with GIS tools.
Use the power of GIS to simplify complex problems.

This presentation outlines a case study focusing on solving the complexities of migrating 6,000 telephony engineers from multiple CAD tools to a single integrated, GIS-based design tool. The migration involved the requirement to successfully marry a GIS-based telephony design tool with the features of years of user-focused CAD tool customization. The presentation highlights examples of capabilities marrying GIS benefits to CAD user expectations, systems integration, and migration of multiple CAD drawing types into an integrated GIS view.
Copresenter: Corey Clinger, Telcordia Technologies, Inc.

Tuesday, March 11, 9:30

A Schematic First Workflow
Track: Planning, Design, and Engineering
Danny Hatcher, 3-GIS, LLC

Learning Objectives:

Understand the benefits of planning networks with a schematic forward approach.
Know the motivating factors for building geospatial networks based upon schematics.
Learn how a schematic oriented workflow can succeed.

Moving to a more natural schematics-first workflow would allow planners to make sure they are first and foremost creating well planned and well-connected networks. They could then take a schematic that has been generated and place each of the nodes from the schematic onto the map as geospatial features and have connections made automatically that are pulled directly from the schematic.
Copresenter: David Ruttka, 3-GIS, LLC

GIS for Interior Space and Infrastructure Management
Track: New Technology and Market Directions
John Young, ESRI

Learning Objectives:

Can we use GIS for interior space management?
How do we apply GIS technology to interiors?
Is interior space any different than exterior space?

GIS has long been used to manage “outer” infrastructure. But facility managers are increasingly being challenged with the additional task of managing “inner” assets also. Infrastructure now includes interior space and environment, as well as exterior. This presentation will look at the challenges and performance measures being addressed by interior space and facility managers along with some GIS solutions being developed to meet these requirements. Emerging standards for interior space data modeling and planning will also be discussed.
Copresenter: Roxanne Cox-Drake, ESRI

Tuesday, March 11, 10:30

A Battle Plan for Disaster Management
Track: Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Response
Jeremy Sadler, Osmose Utilities Services, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

Get an overview of emergency management principles.
Learn application of emergency management principles to utility operations.
See examples of successful strategies used by utilities in all phases of emergency management.

Knowing how to respond effectively to a hurricane, ice storm, or other disaster is important for every utility. This presentation will explore strategies for developing a “storm plan” that meets the four phases of disaster management identified by the Emergency Management Institute. One presenter has organized disaster response teams for major hurricanes including Katrina. The other presenter is a utility representative who has weathered major disasters and knows how to develop a successful disaster plan.

Tuesday, March 11, 11:30

3-D Land Use: Applications and Challenges
Track: Public Sector
Dr. William Gribb, University of Wyoming

Learning Objectives:

Better understand the definition of 3-D land use.
Identify applications to planning and analysis.
Know the challenges to databasing and display.

This research focuses on the development of a 3-D land use database for downtown planning. 3-D land use is defined as the land use in each building on individual floors and the segments of the floor of multistoried buildings. The analysis and display of 3-D land use is a challenge because of the multiple dimensions of the information. Laramie, Wyoming’s downtown district is used as an example.

Tuesday, March 11, 2:30

Better O&M Facility Management Through Data Management and GPS Technologies
Track: Surveying
Todd Rothermel, Bentley Systems, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

Data management of geospatial engineering documents.
Understand the use of geospatial engineering documents for inspection, stakeout, and as-builts.
Update data archives using GPS Hardware and Software technologies.

Working archival systems that contain both computer-aided drafting
(CAD) data and computer-aided engineering (CAE) will be discussed in the context of the daily workings of large operations and maintenance facilities. New advances in technology will be presented that create a vendor-neutral archive of CAD/CAE information that can be used in data inspection/stakeout mode, as well as in the data update mode. GPS and total station deployment using the extracted data will be reviewed.
Copresenters: Rob Mellis, Bentley Systems, Inc.

Modeling Green Infrastructure Using a GIS-based Explicit Sewer Modeling System
Track: Planning, Design, and Engineering
Mark A. Liebe, City of Portland

Learning Objectives:

Use GIS in advanced modeling of sewer infrastructure.
Apply and manage high-resolution GIS data for engineering and planning.
Exercise green engineering principles and the use of GIS.

The City of Portland has created a set of GIS-based tools for sewer modeling. Dependent on high-resolution and high-precision GIS data, the system is the basis for much of the city’s sewer infrastructure planning and engineering design. This presentation shall show the overall framework integrating GIS with advanced numerical hydraulic models and the levels of modeling precision that detailed GIS data can provide. It will also present the challenges of managing such GIS data.

Tuesday, March 11, 3:30

Using 3-D GIS to Visualize Landfill Expansion Plans
Track: Planning, Design, and Engineering
Charles Penasack, Malcolm Pirnie, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

See why 3-D viewshed modeling is effective at rapidly predicting visual impacts.
Understand how 3-D visualization modeling reduces field time and highlights critical sites.
See how USGS DEMS can be enhanced by approximating tree canopy heights from vegetated areas on USGS topo sheets.

Chautauqua County, New York, recently applied for a permit to laterally and vertically expand its landfill from an approved elevation of 1,748 feet to 1,848 feet. A GIS-based 3-D viewshed model of the current and proposed landfill achieved the SEQRA required visual impact analysis. This model used USGS 30-meter DEMs, local site elevations, and CAD drawings of the proposed final grading plan to create line-of-sight maps, profiles, and 3-D renderings of the proposed landfill expansion.

GIS: Portal to the Enterprise Decision Support System
Track: Enterprise Architecture & System Integration
Sree Palapuka, Wssc

Learning Objectives:

Understand the fundamental concepts of decision-support systems.
Identify GIS needs at an enterprise level.
Understand the role of GIS as a business intelligence tool.

Water and wastewater utilities are facing an aging and crumbling infrastructure. Repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of pipes, manholes, and other appurtenances are essential to maintaining the health and safety of the community. Decision support systems (DSS) facilitate the process of selection, scheduling, and prioritization of infrastructure maintenance. A GIS can play a pivotal role in guiding the knowledge worker toward the best decisions, so long as the GIS is designed and developed in a way that seamlessly integrates with other facets of the enterprise DSS.
Copresenter: Sree Pulapaka, Wssc

Tuesday, March 11, 4:30

Breaking Down Barriers to Mitigate the Impact of the Aging Workforce
Track: Planning, Design and Engineering
Walt Smith, Autodesk

Learning Objectives:

Understand the impact of the aging work force on productivity.
Break down information islands to make planners and engineers more productive.
Use information technology to turn a challenge into an opportunity.

In many utilities experienced engineers and planners are leaving at a faster rate than they can be replaced. We will report how several power utilities in the Western US are using an integrated desktop application that combines engineering, bill of materials generation, and job estimation with an industry standard CAD design desktop, to mitigate the impact of the high proportion of retiring staff in the coming years by enabling their planners to be more productive.
Copresenter: Douglas Laslo, Autodesk, Inc.

A Positive Return on Investment Case Study: The Energy Australia Digital Cadastre Upgrade Project
Track: Return on Investment/Business Case
Greg Oaten, Energy Australia

Learning Objectives:

Understand process model for systematic landbase quality improvement.
Study typical cost-benefit analysis for landbase quality improvement.
Learn how to lobby management for landbase quality improvement.

This presentation will show the business imperatives and challenges, the technical solutions, and the operational issues encountered during implementation of the project, which has recently delivered a better landbase that meets Energy Australia’s business requirements and delivers real productivity and network data quality improvements. The all-important return on investment (ROI) of the project is examined and presented in terms of tangible benefits to one of Australia’s largest gas and electricity suppliers.
Co-presenters: Walter Hesse and Justin Eldridge, we-do-IT Pty Ltd

Wednesday, March 12, 9:00

Squeezing the Most from Your Transmission Network: Integrating the Facility Ratings Process into Your GIS
Track: Planning, Design, and Engineering
Peter Penttinen, GE Energy

Learning Objectives:

Understand the facility ratings process.
Learn about issues surrounding the manual facility ratings process.
Gain insight into integrating facility ratings with the GIS.

A network’s value to an organization is derived from not only the network itself but, more importantly, how efficiently that network operates. While utilities engage in many business processes that address network optimization, key for transmission networks is the use of the facility ratings process. By reducing their reliance on manual processes and integrating with the GIS, organizations can minimize their exposure to issues that can have negative implications both financially and on network reliability.

Transforming the Emergency Operations Center with GIS
Track: Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Response
Thomas Counts, 3-GIS, LLC

Learning Objectives:

Value of real-time incident reporting.
Convergence of Mobile and GIS Technology.
Realizing knowledge from the edge of the network.

Modern communication networks have enabled mobile GIS to move to the Emergency Response arena. By utilizing timely and accurate facility and incident information, the Emergency Operations Center cannot only create a Common Operational Picture in record time, the EOC can equally publish actionable response events in a graphically and spatially correct method.

Wednesday, March 12, 10:00

Structured Approach to Benefits Modeling
Track: Return on Investment/Business Case
Alistair Davidson, PA Consulting Group

Learning Objectives:

Get an overview of return on investment modeling.
Understand structured approach benefit modeling.
Use modeling techniques, e.g. determining base case, sensitivity analysis, and yearly tracking.

Increasingly, GIS managers need to quantify value delivered by their programs/projects and are looking to build full return on investment (ROI) models to achieve this. In many cases, a simple approach to identifying, quantifying, and tracking benefits is compelling enough to support a business case and budget requests, while providing a good base for a full ROI model—if required later. This presentation explores a proven, structured approach to benefits modeling with worked examples.
Copresenter: John Kirkwood, PA Consulting Group

The Real World Is Complex Enough, Simplify Your GIS
Track: Enterprise Architecture & System Integration
Joseph Spollen ,GeoData Modelers, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

Develop business objectives to drive better GIS designs.
Learn how to design GIS data that is easier to maintain.
Discover how simple data can support more effective analyses and mapping.

Faster computers and more sophisticated software allow organizations to capture, store, analyze, and map increasingly greater amounts of geographic data. However, this can lead to the development of GIS systems that are more complex than they need to be, which can hinder the effectiveness of the GIS for business decision-making. This presentation describes practical suggestions and examples of GIS design, data development, and management that will help organizations build GIS systems that are easier to maintain while still meeting the business needs of GIS users.

Wednesday, March 12, 11:00

Maximizing ROI on Geospatial Infrastructure Solutions
Track: Return on Investment/Business Case
Kecia Pierce, Intergraph Corporation

Learning Objectives:

Recognize that the ROI for general purpose GIS is 1:1.
Understand the downstream applications that deliver the real ROI for impacting the bottom line.
Learn how companies have increased ROI and benefits with geospatial infrastructure solutions.

Geospatial infrastructure solutions provide many benefits to utilities and communications companies. They are not just for distribution and operation maps; they can maintain and manage the facility network model. The downstream applications that leverage the geospatial network model outage management, mobile workforce management, engineering network analysis, customer reporting, and work and asset management deliver real results that impact the bottom line. Real-world examples will be presented along with the resultant benefits.
Copresenter: Brimmer Sherman, Intergraph Corporation

Location Intelligence: Delivering Actionable Analysis for Decision-making
Track: Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse
Dr. Xavier Lopez, Oracle Corporation

Learning Objectives:

Discover the concept of location-enabled business intelligence (BI).
Understand the role of BI in utilities context.
Learn about location BI use cases and technologies.

Business Intelligence technology has recently become a mandatory prerequisite for utilities and telecommunications organizations operating in highly competitive, dynamic, and information-intensive markets. Large organizations now realize the strategic value of analytical tools, such as data warehousing and business intelligence (BI), in harnessing knowledge about their operations, the customers, and their competitors. This presentation will introduce BI technologies, highlight the value decision makers place on these technologies, and provide useful case examples.

Wednesday, March 12, 1:00

Using GIS to Manage the Electric Transmission System—A Critical Infrastructure
Track: Critical Infrastructure Protection and Emergency Response
Roy Forsstrom, POWER Engineers, Inc.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the components of an electric transmission GIS system.
Understand the differences between distribution and transmission GIS.
Understand typical system integration requirements.

Utilities recently began paying attention to the management of information related to the operation and maintenance of their electric transmission lines, a critical infrastructure. The 2003 Northeast blackout prompted the government to implement new transmission system regulations. A well-planned enterprise GIS can be the core of an efficient and effective information management solution. This presentation will examine how a transmission GIS is different than a distribution GIS, what makes a transmission GIS, and typical system interfaces.

Wednesday, March 12, 2:00

Beyond Mashups: The Enterprise Geo-portal
Track: Internet and Web Services
John Nelson, IDV Solutions

Learning Objectives:

Enhance GIS presentation.
Make GIS investments more actionable.
Take advantage of Web services and rich Internet applications.

Organizations have made significant investments in geographic information systems. The presentation tier of this investment, however, has been typically limited, static, and labor intensive. Enterprise portals are increasingly popular for organizations that wish to visualize geographic data in a more current and collaborative sense. This presentation will identify options, barriers to entry, benefits, and technical challenges to the process of building and implementing a geographic enterprise portal. Specific examples will be cited.

Wednesday, March 12, 3:00

Blowing in the Wind: Utilizing GIS in the Siting of Wind Farms
J. Peter Gomez, Xcel Energy

Learning Objectives:

Examine the business drivers that are placing an increased emphasis on clean energy sources in North America.
Achieve a basic understanding of which data elements are critical in determining wind farm placement.
Review the role of GIS in bringing disparate databases and information together to assist in the siting process.

With the increased emphasis on “green” energy, many utility companies have made concerted efforts to enhance portions of their energy generation from clean sources. The use of GIS technology as both a data source and repository of data to facilitate the determination and placement of wind farms is one such initiative that is currently under way. This presentation will explore how utility companies are addressing this new focus on clean energy sources and how GIS is being utilized as an enabling technology.