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Southern Pine EPA: Map Maintenance and GIS Solutions |
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Southern Pine Electric Power Association (SPEPA) relies on Davey Resource Group (DRG) for innovative approaches to continuous improvement of the utility's geographic information system (GIS).
Southeastern Reprographics, Inc. (SRI), which is now an integral unit of DRG, has assisted SPEPA since 1995. Originally, SRI built a custom global positioning system (GPS) landbase of the entire SPEPA service area, which covers more than 10 percent of Mississippi and provides service to 63,800 consumers throughout 11 counties. SRI provided a full electronic field inventory using GPS, laser range finders, and pen-based computer systems. The initial project was delivered in an Autodesk AutoCAD format. It included a full field inventory designed to help improve the staking system.
In 2003, SRI converted the existing mapping system into an Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) geodatabase, providing enhanced connectivity and integration. These improvements allowed field crews to be more productive when checking and posting information on assets and work orders because the required data was provided before they began their work. Included with the updated system was a customized Internet-based ESRI ArcIMS site that allowed viewing of all GIS data and specified fields from the customer information system. This viewing is accomplished through an Internet connection accessing DRG’s secure map maintenance website.
Since implementation of Internet mapping, we have hosted and updated the SPEPA website to include provisions for online staking and work order tracking. DRG web hosting allows SPEPA to share the total hardware, software, implementation, maintenance, and personnel costs with other customers.
Additionally, SPEPA creates a work order in the district office and then uploads the staked data and GPS points to DRG for posting to the GIS. This methodology has become the basis for DRG map maintenance.
For more information, contact Tommy Maloney at (770) 619-5545 or call (800) 924-5233.
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