PG&E required an automated schematics solution that would be easy to maintain and keep in sync with their GIS data to aid departments such as outage management and engineering. The solution needed to have the ability to filter based on transmission and feature types, and all the while utilize familiar symbology and colorize conductor by circuit number. The schematics solution also needed to have Web Viewer capabilities.
Building and Maintaining the Schematics Model
UDC assisted to develop an ArcGIS Schematics model and provided oversight for the GIS data conversion to support the engineering group at PG&E as well as the Utility’s DMS outage management system. The model was tailored to provide a geo-schematic representation following major roadways to enhance locating of key primary system features. To address over density of network views in highly populated areas such as downtown San Francisco, a Multiview Solution was created that allows schematic users to quickly toggle between Radial, Tie and Network Conductor views.
UDC performed DAT (data acceptance testing) of all 4,400, 500-scale schematic diagrams. Software tools, including those used for change detection, geoprocessing and check-in/checkout, were developed by UDC to allow daily GIS updates to feed the schematics model directly thus greatly reducing latency between the two systems. Over one million primary features were edited and white spaced according to a set specification as developed by UDC and PG&E. Maintenance of schematics consists of daily executed minor whitespace management edits ensuring ease of use. This work is completed by UDC as we continue to provide ongoing program support.
- Over 33,000 schematic update polygons (SUPs) are processed annually.
UDC’s Wisconsin team provides production manpower, project management and system troubleshooting as well as works with PG&E IT to perform UAT (user acceptance testing) of periodic updates and enhancements to the model.
Schematics Solution Results
As a result of the ArcGIS Schematics implementation, Engineers have a seamless schematic view of all circuits within the DMS OMS. As an extension of ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS Schematics diagrams can be published and shared making it possible for the PG&E teams to view remotely in the field.
Using custom software tools, changes are easily processed within 48 hours of update to the GIS ensuring a consistent view across PG&E. A queue of work appears immediately when the worker logs in, allowing for immediate identification of outstanding updates. Once the Schematics updates are complete for that row of work, the record is automatically removed from the queue.
New, deleted or modified features only need to be updated in one system. The GIS changes are automatically pushed to Schematics, saving users time and eliminating inconsistences between the two systems.
UDC has been assisting PG&E Electric Distribution since 2011 on multiple initiatives including providing ArcFM desktop, ArcFM UFM, ArcGIS Schematic desktop, ArcGIS Server maintenance, upgrade and Integration Development Services. UDC continues to support the Utility’s data updates within ArcGIS Schematic Editor.