GIS is the acronym for "Geographic Information System". The system consists of a digital landbase having Roads, Streets, Boundaries, Landmarks, and an integrated database. This map can be displayed on a computer monitor and printed out. Graphic symbols are placed on the map to represent various entities e.g. houses, utility poles, electrical devices, cables etc. Literally any inside or outside type of facilities can be represented by symbols on the map. Each symbol has an attribute file that is automatically created to store data about that entity. As an example, if you click on the symbol of a specific building a record will display information such as: who resides there, the street address, ZIP code, telephone number, and any other pertinent information e.g. Aerial or Buried: Telephone, Electric, Gas, Water, and CATV service specifications.
A typical application of how a Utility company uses GIS is to track customers or facility information. By simply typing the name or telephone number of a subscriber, the GIS will display their location and record in seconds. In a similar manor if they query the Cable route and Pair number the GIS system will retrieve and display the Utility pole, Drops, Terminals, Buildings, Records and any other information they are seeking. This information is used by Assigners, Dispatchers, Engineers, and Supervisors to update records, maintain existing facilities and Plan proposed Work Orders.
To create a GIS system you need to CAD Draft or CONVERT from paper drawings and records, external database files, or CAD drawings that reside in an isolated or stand-alone environment.
If you need information about how you can apply a GIS system click here Return to CCS Inc.'s Home Page
gis article by w.ziskowski (C) 1996 by CCS Inc. Factoryville, Pennsylvania, USA.
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