An application upgrade aimed at improving the process of converting engineering drawings into geospatial formats compatible with ArcGIS was proving problematic for the transmission line mapping team at a large Midwestern utility. PLS-CADD (Power Line Systems – Computer Aided Drawing & Design) was being used to produce the engineering drawings, but past conversion processes were no longer usable.
Though PLS-CADD is an advanced program that integrates engineering and other data into a 3D digital model of transmission assets, the process of converting the XML (extensible markup language) output files into GIS was not a straightforward task.
Geographic information system (GIS) is widely used by electric utilities to maintain clean and accurate power transmission and distribution data. Esri, the global leader in GIS software, has a plethora of applications that aid in the maintenance of utility datasets. These applications are constantly being upgraded, so companies need to perform maintenance and retooling to ensure their workflows are supported.
Enter 1898 & Co.
An Ohio-based 1898 & Co. team of GIS technical specialists that had been engaged to assist the utility in-house transmission mapping group assessed the issues that were hindering the application upgrade.
The 1898 & Co. team recommended a new file conversion approach that would automate and streamline many of the manual processes that were required under the previous conversion tool. Under that process, users had access to a conversion tool, but it frequently required manual manipulation to run accurately. Hard copy engineering documents often would have to be referenced extensively to verify correctness of wire placement throughout the project.
An 1898 & Co. developer supporting the project was engaged to scope out the conversion needs. Once those end-product needs identified, Python, an Open-Source Initiative (OSI)-approved programming language, was used to perform source coding and other programming tasks for the new conversion tool.
The developer had familiarity with the XML format produced by the PLS-CADD program and was able to use Python to create the coding needed to convert files into the more graphical ArcGIS format. The new tool reduced the time required for the file conversion process from approximately one hour to 10 minutes, achieving a near 85% improvement in operational efficiency.
Process Efficiency Benefits
With the transmission line engineering data now converted into a digital geospatial mapping format, the entire management and operations team for this major utility can now view assets and project progress in real time.
With the new conversion tool, data conversion is streamlined with attributes of physical assets now pulled automatically into the graphical program. Though some verification is still required, much of the need for manual data entry has been eliminated, creating enormous time savings, improved accuracy and other process efficiencies.
The ability to quickly assess a need and develop a solution illustrates the value of integrating closely with the utility team with day-to-day responsibilities for technical functions. Because the 1898 & Co. team worked directly with utility staff, it was immediately apparent where process inefficiencies existed. By observing issues firsthand, it helped lead to the solution that was ultimately developed.
The upgraded workflows represent a new level of process efficiency. Prior to this, if problems with data management or technology implementation were identified, the only real option was to engage in trial-and-error approaches that were often not ideal.
The success of this initiative illustrates a broader strategic lesson: real-time, data-driven decision-making capabilities are critical for utilities seeking to enhance the management of transmission assets and improve overall performance. This project serves as a blueprint for how utility companies can leverage GIS technologies to unlock new efficiencies and optimize operational outcomes.
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