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Utility Infrastructure Mapping

Definition

Utility infrastructure mapping inventories the location, attributes, and condition of assets such as power lines, substations, water mains, sewers, gas pipes, and telecom networks. It merges legacy as-builts, GPS surveys, IoT sensors, and imagery into authoritative GIS layers. Accuracy, connectivity, and asset hierarchies are crucial for operations, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Application

Operators use maps for outage response, preventive maintenance, capital planning, and customer service. Regulators audit safety zones; contractors coordinate digs; and emergency managers plan shutdowns during disasters.

FAQ

How do you reconcile conflicting as-builts and field reality?

Prioritize recent surveyed data, flag uncertain segments with quality codes, and schedule targeted field verification where conflicts affect operations.

Why model connectivity in addition to geometry?

Outage tracing, pressure zones, and isolation planning rely on network topology—mere lines on a map are insufficient for operational analytics.

What cybersecurity considerations apply to utility maps?

Restrict access, log usage, and separate public-facing generalized maps from detailed operational layers to protect critical infrastructure information.

How can imagery and LiDAR support condition assessment?

Detect vegetation encroachment, sagging lines, or pole lean; integrate with inspection records to prioritize crews.