GIS can be presented in various easy-to-use ways, including interactive maps. This data, also referred to as geospatial or spatial data, is used to chart where utility assets are located, monitor how assets are functioning, identify what operating conditions are like and alert any immediate or expected issues. Data is critical and data quality is crucial.
GIS systems do not operate in isolation within any organization. An information technology (IT) infrastructure retrieves data for users, and operational technology (OT) serves as the access point for GIS by remotely detecting, interacting with or controlling utility assets. IT and OT are complementary systems that are not only necessary, but should be coordinated within any planning for a GIS system upgrade or new project implementation.