Abstract

Enhancing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for Electric Utilities
Track: Electric Utilities
Authors: Richard Garcia

From LiDAR data to site planning maps, Electric Utilities are increasingly challenged to improve upon their Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) to meet the needs of their customers and staff. Various drivers in the industry such as the NERC Facility Ratings Methodology Level 2 Alert issued on October 7, 2010 have highlighted the need for solid GIS infrastructure planning to be in place in order to effectively store, manage and distribute large quantities of spatial information. The multi-disciplinary nature of Electric Utilities also presents challenges in improving SDI because of spatial data coming from numerous sources. Spatial data tends to be developed for the organization using more of a project based approach instead of an enterprise approach. This paper will discuss the importance of GIS infrastructure planning, lessons learned on large scale projects, and anticipated challenges ahead as a GIS is developed enterprise-wide within an Electric Utility.