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What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is a software tool for mapping and analyzing spatial data. GIS can model watersheds, manage collection systems, issue and track work orders, manage customer needs, manage infrastructure and map wetlands. You can also use GIS for hydrologic modeling, environmental assessments, contaminant transport modeling and permit management.
How can GIS help water and wastewater utilities?
GIS is very effective in helping municipalities and privately owned treatment plants manage spatial information to improve utility operations, maintenance, and planning. GIS:
- Provides a spatially-based approach to organizing information about the physical assets of a utility
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Organizes customer information
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Helps utility staff analyze that information and use it to improve operations. GIS can improve management of facilities (pipes, appurtenances, and pumping and treatment equipment) for business functions such as capital planning and maintenance
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mproves management of labor resources through more efficient deployment of field crews
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Acts as a data repository for the user and ensures accurate storage and easy access to geospatial information throughout the utility.
GIS software continues to increase in power while it becomes simpler to use, and includes options for intranet and internet accessibility throughout the utility's workforce. Exchange of data between GIS and CAD systems, and sharing data with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA ) systems and hydraulic modeling software is becoming much simpler. These developments make GIS an excellent tool for managing utility data and improving utility activities.
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