<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> <html> <HEAD> <TITLE>Development of a Comprehensive GIS for a Public Utility</TITLE> <meta name="Author" content="Javier Cisneros"> <meta name="Description" content="Development of a Comprehensive GIS for a Public Utility"> <meta name="Keywords" content="Water,Wastewater,Natural Gas,Gas,Utilities,Florida,Fort Pierce,Saint Lucie County,Basemap,Towers,Liftstation,"> </HEAD> <BODY> <H1 ALIGN=CENTER>Development of a Comprehensive GIS for a Public Utility</H1> <P ALIGN=CENTER>Author - Javier Cisneros</P> <P ALIGN=CENTER>Co-Authors - William G. Thiess P.E., Jeremiah K. Johnson E.I, Daniel P. Retherford, and Cindy M. Southard</P> <BR> <U><H2>Abstract</H2></U> <P>This paper describes the development of a Geographical Information System (GIS) for water, wastewater and natural gas utilities for Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. The project integrated features of a Microstation base map and AutoCAD Map, ArcView, ArcPad and ArcIMS software. The extensive coordination and cooperation between technical, engineering and field personnel and with other government agencies is described. The GIS utilizes the versatile capabilities of ESRI products for mapping, spatial analysis and future system modeling. The analytical and record-keeping abilities of GIS are discussed in terms of the increased proficiency provided to the utility s engineering and operations departments.</P> <HR><HR> <U><H2>Introduction</H2></U> <P>The City of Fort Pierce is a century old coastal city that has served itself with utilities such as water, wastewater, natural gas, and electric since 1911. In 1972, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) was formed. Since that time, FPUA has grown to serve more than 27,000 accounts and its service area extends to more than 100 square miles.</P> <P>The initial water and sewer mapping system consisted of 300 individual CAD maps that were clipped by half sections and included lot lines, parcels, rights-of-way, and utility features (see Table 1). This data structure was maintained in the transition to GIS.</P> <A HREF="p01141.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01141.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Table 1: Data structure (shape files)"></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Table 1: Data structure (shape files)</H5> <P>The CAD maps were often stretched or rubber-sheeted to best fit the predefined title block used in conjunction with Gentry electric mapping software utilized by the Electric department. The CAD maps were used for the sole purpose of general utility location. Many of the utility features were associated with attribute blocks and contained semi-organized data. The data was adequate for printing maps but not for conversion to shape file format. This disorganization of attributes was due to lack of data entry model standards. Water main attributes were by far the unfriendliest data set throughout the maps because a majority of these attributes were entered in the wrong field. Also, the maps were clipped with no overlap of adjacent maps, therefore the same main would often appear on two maps but with different attributes (human error). One of the most challenging tasks was to find record drawings to verify utility features.</P> <P>Because of the numerous shortcomings in the utility system CAD maps and the desire to have accurate maps with utility database capabilities, an effort was initiated in January 2000 to develop a comprehensive GIS for the water, wastewater, and natural gas utility systems. The GIS was developed in the following five phases:</P> <UL> <L1> % Phase I  Base map acquisition and development</P> <L1> % Phase II  Cleaning and converting existing CAD maps</P> <L1> % Phase III  Quality Assurance and Quality Control</P> <L1>         ª% Check against Record Drawings and prior maps</P> <L1>         ª% Development of data entry procedures</P> <L1> % Phase IV - ArcPad and GPS Implementation</P> <L1> % Phase V  Utility mapping with ArcIMS and ArcExplorer</P> </UL> <HR> <U><H2>Phase I  Base Map Acquisition and Development</H2></U> <P>The most important step in developing FPUA s GIS was to determine the best background for mapping the utility system. The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser (SLCPA) basemap was the best choice because of its accuracy, detail and available database. The SLCPA base map included details such as homes and buildings, edge-of-pavement, shrubs, trees, fences, etc. The entire base map was received from SLCPA in Microstation DGN format. Using AutoCAD Map, the DGN files were imported into a single seamless AutoCAD Map file. There were four reasons for importing the DGN files into AutoCad Map rather than ArcView for converting to a shape file:</P> <UL> <L1> % Projected CAD background would be available for engineering design files. This would allow in-house designers to design new utilities with all existing utilities in a projected coordinate system. Overlaying and converting new designs to the GIS would require very little effort using this approach.</P> <L1> % Due to budget constraints, purchasing ArcInfo 8 was not feasible at the time.</P> <L1> % With AutoCAD Map, links were generated using text completely enclosed within the parcel polygons. DGN files contained parcel control numbers in text format at the center of parcel polygons.</P> <L1> % CAD has much better editing tools and most engineering technicians were experienced CAD users. Also, this would expedite revisiting record drawings for quality assurance.</P> </UL> <P> <P>A parcel shape file (polygon theme) was created with the associated parcel control numbers. SLCPA also provided the entire parcel database in a Microsoft Access Database file, which contained many tables with fields including parcel control numbers, addresses, owners name, etc. In ArcView, the parcel shape file and Access database were linked together using the parcel control number field and later it was indexed to geocode addresses. The SLCPA s newer base map allowed creation of a projected coordinate system for utility infrastructure. After determining the DGN levels (layers) that would be necessary for efficient mapping, all other levels were deleted to increase computer speed and space. Individual shape files were created from the levels such as homes, edge-of-pavement, rights-of-way, parcels and lot lines. Edge-of-pavement and rights-of-way assist in accurately mapping utility features. Homes and buildings assist in determining existing and potential customers for utility extensions and in locating utility features. The GIS provided many features and functions that would have been very difficult to achieve previously with the old mappings system and it assisted in developing queries that would have been impractical or impossible. Unlike the old CAD system maps, yearly basemap updates will provide increasingly accurate mapping.</P> <P> <HR> <U><H2>Phase II  Cleaning and Converting Existing CAD Maps</H2></U> <P> <P>On FPUA s initial mapping system, mains and point features were controlled by layer name. Blocks with CAD attributes identified point features. Over the years, many technicians worked on the maps to add new utility information. Unfortunately, inconsistencies in data entry lead to inaccurate data entry and storage. Data loss resulting from exploded blocks was a common error among the maps. This may have been accidental or a lack of software training. Because of scale, block attributes for mains often appeared next to other mains, which was misleading and a problem for many in-house personnel designing or operating the system. Many consistent inaccuracies were not solely a result of human error but resulted from a lack of data entry standards.</P> <P> <P>The CAD drawings showed point and line features connecting to the limits of the point blocks. This was a standard practice in hand drafting, which was carried over to the CAD drawings. Over the years, many block point features were enlarged to appear more clearly on paper maps. Therefore, mains would not connect to the insertion point of the blocks but rather two to ten feet away spatially, depending on the block scale. Due to the inconsistencies in block scale, using a standard cleaning buffer resulted in many mains interconnecting or not connecting at all. Therefore all the CAD maps were  cleaned up individually for connectivity, which also served as training for predominately CAD Users to understand geometric networks and database relationships. Cleaning of drawings proceeded one utility type at a time for each drawing file. The followings cleaning standards were implemented in order to clean and convert CAD drawings to one overall map.</P> <P> <UL> <L1> % Ensure that utility features were placed on designated layers.</P> <L1> % Verify that line features connected to the insertion point of blocks (point features), to accurately established network connectivity.</P> <L1> % Replaced exploded block point features with valid blocks and data attributes.</P> </UL> <P> <P>Beginning at the center of FPUA s service area, each cleaned CAD drawing was imported into the projected overall CAD map. Utilities were carefully connected at the map edges to ensure connectivity. After completion of the overall map, individual shape files were created using AutoCAD Map export function (see Table 1). The block attributes for the mains were exported into a point shape file, allowing ArcView to assign data to the mains by point nearest to main. This quickly assigned data to all the mains, but the results did not have sufficient accuracy. Because of this, some effort was required to standardize the converted data. Additionally, the re-projected utilities overlapped onto parcels and canals resulting in the need for Phase III.</P> <P> <HR> <U><H2>Phase III  Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)</H2></U> <P> <P>In Phase III, utility shape files were re-imported into the overall CAD map using AutoCAD Map shape file import function. This allowed CAD technicians to contribute to the cleanup effort and assist with the QA/QC. After reviewing systems maps, numerous inaccuracies were discovered due to lack of maintenance and QA/QC during development of the maps. Therefore, comparing and reviewing as-built record drawings was determined to be the primary means of developing an accurate GIS. As-built record drawing review also served as an opportunity to index hard-copy drawings files for scanning and for establishing future image hot links. Data fields were created using ArcFM and FPUA data models. This Phase was very time consuming and is still an ongoing process. Completion of Phase III is anticipated by Fall 2001. </P> <P> <HR> <U><H2>Phase IV  ArcPad And GPS Implementation</H2></U> <P>In order to develop a truly accurate and versatile mapping system, GPS capabilities were implemented using ArcPad 5.0. With the combination of ArcPad and GPS, FPUA gained the advantage of sub-meter accuracy in mapping, locating and maintaining the utility system. Using ArcView, forms were created for maintenance and data collection in conjunction with ArcPad. These forms enabled engineering and operations personnel to efficiently convert field data to maps. Phase IV also assisted with the QA/QC efforts of Phase III.</P> <A HREF="p01142.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01142.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 1: Locating Fire Hydrant with GPS in Downtown Ft. Pierce" ALIGN=middle></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 1: Locating Fire Hydrant with GPS in Downtown Ft. Pierce</H5> <P>Initial GPS applications included determination of coordinates for newly constructed facilities such as fire hydrants (see Figure 1). As the volume of GPS coordinate data increases, GPS will be a useful tool for locating valves, hydrants, manholes, etc. that area hidden by vegetation or paved over (see Figure 2). Other planned tasks include locating all water meters so that a direct link can be established between the FPUA customer database and the GIS base map.</P> <A HREF="p01143.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01143.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 2: GPS Location of Hidden Valves and Hydrants" ALIGN=middle></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 2: GPS Location of Hidden Valves and Hydrants</H5> <HR> <U><H2>Phase V  Utility Mapping with ArcIMS and ArcExplorer</H2></U> <P>A constant request for general utility information such as location and availability has been a constant reminder of the need for a widely accessible mapping system. One option was to make images of the maps available via the internet/intranet for viewing and downloading. However, this would not allow customers and employees to take advantage of geocoding for addresses and viewing up-to-date GIS data. In order to maximize accessibility in-house, the GIS data was initially made available to FPUA employees on the FPUA intranet with ArcIMS and ArcExplorer. Ultimately, ArcIMS will enable FPUA to provide utility information to the public through the Internet. A new server has been budgeted for October 2001, which will host the FPUA GIS website and provide the Internet GIS capability.</P> <A HREF="p01144.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01144.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 3: Intranet Mapping Capability with ArcIMS"></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 3: Intranet Mapping Capability with ArcIMS</H5> <P></P> <U><H2>Projects and Tasks</H2></U> <P>As the GIS evolved, it quickly became a universal source for mapping at FPUA and was immediately utilized as a planning and analysis tool. Many FPUA projects have utilized the GIS capabilities for spatial analysis. The following three projects would have been entirely contracted out to consultants, but were completed in-house, at a much lower cost. </P> <HR> <H3>Lift Station 10 Evaluation</H3> <P>The Lift Station 10 evaluation involved studying the sanitary sewer system on South Hutchinson Island. This was a system of eight lift stations that had experienced difficulties with pumps overcoming head conditions in the force main. Initially, pump run times and other information was to be used by a consultant to calculate theoretical sewer flows. FPUA did not feel that this would be accurate enough and GIS was introduced to the project. Service areas for each lift station were delineated on the parcel map by partitioning lots according to the manholes providing service. Using Microsoft Access, data was retrieved from the FPUA customer database including customer name, address, account number and type, and water consumption for the past twelve months. The base map contained addresses, facilitating geocoding with the FPUA customer database.</P> <P>Design flows for each lift station were then determined from the aggregate water use in each lift station area. A shape file (point) was created for each month at each parcel containing actual water consumption based on the customer s bill. By summing these flows and applying appropriate peak factors based on pump run time information, accurate peak hour flows for each lift station were calculated. This in turn, provided the consultant with accurate modeling parameters to enable evaluation of realistic alternatives based upon  Real World data. These alternatives included re-routing force mains, upsizing pipes, upgrading pumps and establishing an automated control system. The consultant s final report included color-coded maps for each alternative produced from the GIS (see Figure 4).</P> <A HREF="p01145.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01145.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 4: Lift station 10 evaluation using ArcView for flow analysis and presentation" ALIGN=middle></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 4: Lift station 10 evaluation using ArcView for flow analysis and presentation</H5> <P> <H3>Infiltration/Inflow Analysis</H3> <P>FPUA s first wastewater treatment plant was built in 1956 but the sewer system dates back to the early 1920 s. Prior to construction of wastewater treatment facilities, standard practice involved networking sewer and drainage systems together to drain into the nearest available surface water (ditches, canals, spillways, etc). These early gravity sewer mains consisted primarily of vitrified clay pipe (VCP). VCP sewer mains typically consisted of short lengths (four feet) of pipe that resulted in numerous joints, thus inviting ground water infiltration. In the early to mid 1950 s, stormwater and sanitary sewers were separated, but many interconnections between the two systems still remained. These cross-connections and leaky VCP sewers contributed to excessive infiltration and inflow (I/I), which resulted in very high flows to the Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) during and following periods of heavy rainfall.</P> <P>An aggressive program was initiated in 1995 to significantly reduce I/I despite these intensive efforts, very quick increases in flow were still being observed at the WRF immediately after the onset of a rainfall event. This quick response indicated the possibility of direct cross-connections in the immediate service area of the WRF, which was downtown Fort Pierce. In order to maximize FPUA efforts at I/I reduction, the GIS was utilized to prepare maps that overlapped the city s storm sewer on FPUA s sewer system maps. Using the GIS, sewer mains with the greatest potential for I/I were highlighted by selecting pipe segments that were unlined VCP and were in close proximity to the storm sewers (see Figure 5). These highlighted maps and the associated tabulation of sewer main pipes (identified by upstream and downstream manhole numbers) were utilized to implement a comprehensive smoke testing program. The first phase of this program in the downtown area resulted in identification of 12 cross-connections, all which have been repaired. This effort is presently being expanded outward from the downtown area.</P> <A HREF="p01146.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01146.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 5: Gravity mains that intersect with City Drainage pipes are shown for possible interconnection. After gravity mains are lined and rehabilitated, the database file is updated for further analysis." ALIGN=middle></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 5: Gravity mains that intersect with City Drainage pipes are shown for possible interconnection. After gravity mains are lined and rehabilitated, the database file is updated for further analysis.</H5> <P> <H3>Placement of Towers for Wireless Broadband Internet Service</H3> <P>In March 2001, FPUA s Internet Service Provider, <A HREF="http://www.ispez.net/">"ispez.net"</A>, began a pilot project in preparation for providing wireless Broadband Internet service to FPUA field personnel and St. Lucie County residents. FPUA used GIS to help map and evaluate tower sites in the county as possible broadcast antenna locations . After collecting data from the FCC website, a shape file was created and projected to the county base map coordinate system. The tower map showed buffers surrounding each tower to evaluate potential service area boundaries (see Figure 6). The completed map included other themes such as locations of fiber optic and transmission lines, both proposed and existing. Tabulations of data relevant to the wireless Internet service were also developed. Data and maps were forwarded to a consultant for analysis. FPUA plans to call its Wireless Broadband Internet service  Giga-Band , to be released in the Fall of 2001.</P> <A HREF="p01147.jpg"><CENTER><IMG SRC="p01147.jpg" BORDER=0 ALT="Figure 6: Possible Towers are shown which may host antennas to provided wireless Internet access" ALIGN=middle></CENTER></A> <H5 ALIGN=center>Figure 6: Possible Towers are shown which may host antennas to provided wireless Internet access</H5> <HR> <U><H2>Conclusion</H2></U> <P>The GIS utility maps with addresses and parcel control numbers have been instrumental in providing quick assessment of utility availability on specific parcels. This has allowed utility inquiries to be directed to the FPUA Customer Service Department. With customized pull-down menus created with ArcView programming language Avenue, the Customer Service representatives required very little training in the transition of this function from the engineering department.</P> <P>The development of a comprehensive GIS system for FPUA using ESRI software has proven to be effective and will continue to improve efficiency in planning and operations. FPUA continues to use ArcView and GIS data for evaluating many projects such as utility replacements, I/I reduction programs, service area analyses and Water/Wastewater Master Planning. FPUA plans to use GIS extensively with the Master Planning project, which is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2001. As the GIS grows, Enterprise ArcSDE will be implemented to incorporate all of FPUA s mapping needs. The GIS development has been rewarding and has improved efficiency and analysis capabilities throughout the various FPUA departments. As the GIS improves over the next few years, greater efficiency and cost savings are assured to FPUA and its customers.</P> <P></P> <HR><HR> <U><H3>Acknowledgements</H3></U> <P>Acknowledge primarily to those for their continuous support to develop this system:</P> <P>Staff: Stacey R. Stevens, David A. Mellert, Entire Water/Wastewater/Natural Gas Engineering staff, Don Landin and FPUA Operation and Maintenance crews</P> <P>Special Thanks to: SLCPA, especially John Bausola for his cooperation and, City of Ft. Pierce Engineering staff</P> <P></P> <HR> <U><H3>Author(s)</H3></U> <P>Javier Cisneros - GIS Coordinator -- <A HREF="http://www.fpua.com/">Fort Pierce Utilities Authority</A> - 206 South 6th Street Fort Pierce, Florida 34950</P> <P>Phone - 561-466-1600, Extension: 3484 -- Fax - 561-489-0396</P> <A HREF="mailto:jcisneros@FPUA.com">jcisneros@FPUA.com</A> <P></P> <HR> <U><H3>Co-Author(s)</H3></U> <P><P> <P4>William G. Thiess, P.E. - Supervising Engineer, <A HREF="mailto:wthiess@FPUA.com">wthiess@FPUA.com</A></P4> <P></P> <P4>Jeremiah K. Johnson, E.I. - Environmental Engineer, <A HREF="mailto:jjohnson@FPUA.com">jjohnson@FPUA.com</A></P4> <P></P> <P4>Daniel P. Retherford - Utility Designer, <A HREF="mailto:dretherford@FPUA.com">dretherford@FPUA.com</A></P4> <P></P> <P4>Cindy M. Southard - Administrative Coordinator, <A HREF="mailto:csouthard@FPUA.com">csouthard@FPUA.com</A></P4> </BODY> </HTML> <HR><HR>