GIS database:
In a nutshell, we could say that the GIS technology
- integrates general database operations (data query and statistical analysis), along with the unique advantages of visualization and conceptual spatial analysis offered by maps;
- optimizes data layering (spatial overlays for object relationship identification),
- permitted for effective and timely data management (particularly data updates).
GIS could be used to derive diverse information for efficient technical and commercial management of a power distribution utility, e.g., capacity analysis, investment cost estimation, estimation of yearly peak loads of medium and low voltage transformers, calculations of power flow, and technical and commercial losses in the network, and so on.
Proprietary software tools, like SMALLWORLD, PTI, and POWERON, between others, could leverage the GIS database through offering a basket of customised solutions which range from load flow and power loss analyses, network reinforcement, reconfiguration and line design, capacitor and substation placement, relay and fuse co-ordination and etc., to outage and supply complaint management, and job planning and control. The computerized integration of information along with the spatially dispersed links has the ability to greatly enhance the decision making procedure and documentation.