Computer Application In Planning Work Session Page 1 Of 4 ✓ Solved

Computer Application in Planning Work Session Page 1 of 4

The regional gas supplier for a small town wants to introduce a computer based facility documentation and management system for its facilities. Up to now only an analog documentation exists, consisting of maps and several lists. Here a short description of the gas facilities: The gas mains are divided into three different types: high pressure mains for the regional distribution of the gas, supply main for the distribution of the gas in a community, and house supply pipes connected to the buildings with the gas main.

A high pressure main always ends in a control station, where the supply mains start. The supply mains are divided into main segments, each having a single set of associated attributes. Each segment is bounded by two nodes which could be: the starting node at the control station, a special facility like a reduction, condensate collector, or slide gate valve, an ending flange, or a T-fitting. The house supply pipes end in gas meters associated with the customers of the gas company.

Tasks include setting up an ArcGIS application for the gas supply company with various steps, organizing geospatial data layers using advanced techniques, preparing different map documents, and drafting a series letter for building owners regarding the replacement of steel house supply pipes.

Data available includes land parcel boundaries and building outlines in a DWG file, land parcel and building attributes as text files, street names, and various lists related to ownership and gas usage.

Paper For Above Instructions

The development of a computerized facility documentation and management system for a gas supply company is essential in modernizing its operations and improving efficiency. The existing analog documentation not only limits accessibility to data but also poses challenges in data management and analysis. Transitioning to a digital format offers numerous advantages, including improved data accuracy, facilitate real-time updates, and enhanced capabilities for spatial analysis.

Setting Up the ArcGIS Application

Establishing an ArcGIS application involves several critical steps. First, a thorough workflow must be developed. The workflow should outline the systematic approach required to implement various connections and queries. A consistent naming scheme is crucial for maintaining organization and ensuring clarity during the project's lifecycle. Points of interest, such as buildings and plots, should be easily identifiable through a user-friendly object-based interface. This means that clicking on any object in the system should provide related information—a vital feature for effective navigation and data retrieval.

Organizing Geospatial Data

Utilizing geodatabases will play a significant role in organizing geospatial data layers efficiently. Advanced techniques such as feature datasets, subtypes, and relationship classes need to be integrated into the database design. A feature dataset allows for grouping various types of spatial data while subtypes can define variations within a feature class, enhancing the capability to manage complex datasets. Relationship classes can be utilized to establish connections between different features, such as linking buildings to their respective gas supply pipes, creating a comprehensive informative environment.

Preparing Map Documents

Creating a series of map documents is essential to visualize the data efficiently. The following maps need to be prepared:

  • General Land Use Map: This map should display various land use types, including building areas, traffic areas, and public and commercial buildings. A nominal scale of 1:1000 must be adhered to, and all relevant features—including street names and house numbers—should be presented clearly.
  • Gas Network Map: This will highlight buildings connected to the gas network while providing context through background information about the overall infrastructure. It is important to emphasize both the buildings and the gas facilities linked to them.
  • Consumer Analysis Map: This thematic map should illustrate the changes in monthly gas consumption over the previous year, alongside a thematic representation of average consumption in 2017, making it easier to recognize consumption patterns.

Communicating with Building Owners

It is vital to keep building owners informed, particularly those with steel house supply pipes, which are scheduled for replacement. A professional series letter should be drafted, detailing the requirement and urgency of the replacement, along with the date of the original pipe installation. This communication will ensure transparency and reinforce relationships between the gas company and its customers.

Data Management Approaches

The data required for this project is extensive, utilizing various formats including DWG files and text files with disparate structures. Options for connecting to the text files include direct connections, ODBC driver connections, importing them into Access databases, or utilizing Excel. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages; for example, ODBC connections may offer greater flexibility for data queries, whereas importing to Access might streamline the use of forms and queries within a more structured environment. Understanding how to navigate these data formats will be crucial in establishing a functional system that meets the stakeholders' needs.

Conclusion

The implementation of a computerized facility documentation and management system using ArcGIS presents numerous exciting opportunities for the gas supply company. By systematically organizing geospatial data, preparing informative maps, and maintaining clear communication, the company can significantly enhance service delivery. This digital evolution not only streamlines operations but also equips the company to make informed decisions based on accurate, real-time data analysis.

References

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  • Roche, S., & Doyon, P. (2021). Data Visualization and Spatial Mapping: Transforming Data into Knowledge. Data Science Journal, 20(1). Retrieved from https://datasciencejournal.org/en/articles/10.5334/dsj-2021-003
  • Huisman, O., & de Lange, M. (2019). User-Centric GIS: Enhancing User Experience in Geographic Information Systems. Journal of Urban Technology, 26(3), 1-20.
  • Microsoft. (2022). The Importance of Database Connection Methods for Data Management. Retrieved from https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/solutions/database-connection-methods/
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