an Esri ArcGIS
partner
GEOSPATIAL SERVICES
our
projects
Delivering simplicity + clarity on a case by case basis.
As you browse our projects - which are as diverse as can be in location, size, client, solution, and project type - the one universal feature you will see across all is problem solved, with simplicity and clarity. Please enjoy a walk through our portfolio and feel free to contact any of our experts should you have any questions or need assistance with a solution.
market
electric utility
services
Strategic Consulting
ArcGIS Analysis
Portal for ArcGIS Web Map Curation
Web Application Builder
Configuration + Publishing
planning for grid investment
confidential client
the need
One of the nation’s largest utilities sought assistance with an analysis of distribution circuits for grid improvement prioritization in an effort to reduce outage times and address continually rising customer expectations. The utility is planning to make large capital investments in grid improvements and focus on where those improvements should be made is a defining factor in the outcome of success. Information was gathered and organized, but there was not a single view that presented the team with a simple picture to help interpret and make decisions.
the solution
Patrick analysts sat down with lead planners to determine what plant data and criteria were required to define their primary backbone feeders and circuit-tie devices. They also defined the necessary mapping functionality required for the planners to manipulate and access this data. It was determined that ArcGIS Portal could supply an out-of-the-box solution to their needs. It had the ability to be quickly implemented and integrated with their existing GIS and had all the necessary built-in tools.
Using out-of-the box tools in ArcGIS Portal, a web app was created that allowed planners an easy method to generate a clear picture of the necessary infrastructure required to densify the electrical grid. This tool allowed the planners to visually isolate circuit(s) in order to see only them and determine the best locations to tie them together.
Conductor lengths, wire size, and material can be exported to spreadsheets for estimating replacement costs.
Proposed Automated Switching Devices (PASDs) can be added to the map as a part of a preliminary layout design to enhance communication with other planners and managers. Model builder and scripts were created in order to conduct network tracing to determine the distance upstream to substations and the downstream customers for all conductors classified as primary backbone feeder. These statistics are key to the placement of PASDs.
Integration with Maximo allows the planners to see if any existing work-orders are in the area that they are looking to tie. This allows them to see if any work related to the device and/or conductors involved with their proposed grid improvements could reduce or even eliminate the need for a circuit tie at the location.
Patrick worked with internal GIS and IT staff to enhance the existing portal environment to improve performance and usability.
Once implemented, Patrick created a manual and conducted on-site training.
the benefits
Supplementing the project team with skilled geospatial experts provided the utility with a quick, knowledgeable resource. Combining the information obtained using spatial calculations and presenting the information through a web-based map improved the investment decisions. In the end, additional iterations through simpler views of information allowed for investments to be made with higher confidence and benefit the customer by reducing outages.