Summary
GIS stands for Geographical Information System. GIS is a system that allows a user to investigate, analyze, map, and traverse a given digital representation of any geographical area. GIS is a core component of energy operations as it allows a user to map out and identify where their assets are located. This ability enables users to understand, plan for, and better manage their grid infrastructure when working with generation, transmission, and distribution operations.
Key Takeaways
- GIS stands for a Geographical Information System
- GIS allows users to traverse a digital representation of a geographical area
- GIS allows users to understand their grid infrastructure in relation to one another and make better decisions
What is a Geographical Information System?
A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a system that allows a user to investigate, analyze, map, and traverse a given digital representation of any geographical area. GIS is used in a wide range of contexts, but most utilities require GIS systems to view their assets on the grid through digital means.
How does GIS fit into the energy ecosystem?
GIS enables visual insights into the digital landscape of the energy grid. For example, GIS systems can show a line connection between a meter and its power source, despite the distance between these two points. This is particularly useful when it comes to energy modeling, a feature GIS enables for greater grid connectivity between devices.
GIS is crucial when it comes to managing outages as well. A good GIS enables any utility to use their Mobile Workforce Management tools to send field crews to reported outage sites. Without accurate spatial location from a GIS, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to locate and alleviate grid issues.
GIS systems also help identify areas of the grid in need of enhancement. For example, if a city wants to implement more EV charging stations around its service territory, a GIS browser will help with accurate planning.
How does GIS technology help me?
If your local utility is not using a GIS system, it is likely that they resolve their grid-wide issues through manual methodologies. Although this is often sufficient, with growing energy demand and related weather conditions, GIS enables utilities to better manage their operations. A reliable GIS system for your utility means more reliability and consistency for your energy usage at home.
Interested in learning more about GIS? You can check out some popular GIS systems here:
Citations/Further Reading
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