All utility networks including telecommunications, electricity, gas and water are becoming progressively dynamic and complex given the need for integrating the surging data for sustainable growth. As a result, the management of assets using data has become more challenging. To this end, the enterprise geographic information system (GIS) is being adopted by various industries to streamline and improve business operations and processes. The focus of these solutions is typically on utility customers across different sectors.
Need for GIS
Increased energy demand for ageing infrastructure, disintegrated data models and restrictive regulatory requirements are some of the major challenges for gas and pipeline utilities in accurately representing their networks, and enabling traceability of assets as well as data integration. The challenges related to incomplete pipeline models and lack of data integrity stem from inadequate network documentation and the disorganised nature of the gas network. Traditional methods of managing data, such as paper or electronic records without established quality guidelines and control standards, only exacerbate the problem. In order to address this, it is imperative for utilities to establish a robust database for their digital transformation journey through the use of GIS.
It has been observed that organisational silos and fragmentation in network data eventually lead to inconsistency in problem-solving across regions and departments. The end result is safety issues, errors and omissions in data that can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, utilities must prioritise integration of their enterprise systems to ensure their data is accurate, consistent and accessible across all departments.
It is essential that the gas industry undergoes a digital transformation to meet regulatory demands and stays competitive in the face of the growing uptake of renewable energy sources. To achieve this, utilities need to optimise their operations and processes through effective data governance and management. Additionally, the industry must ensure compliance with safety regulations and inspection norms while maintaining accurate records for data analysis.
GIS application in gas utilities
Digital transformation has revolutionised the way gas utilities, including city gas distribution companies operate and deliver services to their customers. With the emergence of advanced data models and application programming interfaces (APIs), geospatial servers are now able to exchange data seamlessly with various enterprise suites, including systems applications and products in data processing (SAP) and open geospatial consortium applications. This integration enables the use of both Google Maps and native maps specific to different countries, and supports a wide range of planning and optimisation tools. Additionally, the use of enriched and advanced data models enables the deployment of products in a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) format, reducing the need for customisation and speeding up the overall deployment process.
Enterprise GIS technology acts as a critical tool in alleviating safety and data problems in the gas utilities sector. By using this technology, utilities can create detailed and accurate maps of their pipeline networks, in turn, helping identify potential safety risks and enabling measures to prevent accidents. Moreover, it can help integrate data from various sources, including sensors, valves and other equipment, to provide a comprehensive view of the pipeline network in real time. This enables utilities to monitor the condition of pipelines and take corrective action. It can help CGD companies manage their assets more effectively by creating a digital map of all assets, such as pipelines, valves and regulators, and providing real-time data on asset condition and performance, enabling timely maintenance and repairs.
Additionally, it can help gas utilities meet regulatory compliance requirements for pipeline safety. GIS can be used for creating detailed records of inspection and maintenance activities as well as for tracking changes in the pipeline network over time. By establishing a centralised data repository for pipeline network, the technology helps improve data governance and management, and ensures accuracy and accessibility.
During planning and management, GIS can help gas utilities visualise their pipeline networks and associated data for better interpretation and planning. This can help utilities identify patterns and trends that might not be apparent from raw data alone, leading to better decision-making and improved operational efficiency.
GIS solutions
Development of innovative GIS solutions that have the potential to transform the way companies operate is essential. GE’s Smallworld Gas Office model is designed to provide end-to-end connectivity for all gas distribution and transmission pipelines and supporting structures. There are two sub-models under the Smallworld Gas Office model – Gas Distribution Office and Global Transmission Office.
One of the key benefits of GIS solutions is their ability to minimise planning time, leading to significant cost savings and increased efficiency. Gas companies can create detailed models of their operations, allowing them to plan and design projects more effectively. This is done by the use of adapters that integrate SAP, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and applications on a single interface, allowing for a seamless exchange of information and further improving coherence. By integrating GIS models into their systems, gas enterprises can reduce model data alignment by 20 per cent with a 30 per cent improvement in inspection and maintenance.
Mahanagar Gas, Think Gas and AG&P Pratham have all integrated Smallworld GIS solutions into their distribution networks. Mahanagar Gas Limited encountered challenges in distribution mapping and found GIS to be an effective solution for network mapping, navigation and fault detection. This streamlined their design workflow and improved user experience and efficiency over time. Similarly, Think Gas, which manages multiple lines of businesses such as compressed natural gas, domestic piped natural gas (PNG), commercial PNG and industrial PNG; used GIS to maintain a consistent workflow. The company integrated SCADA, a vehicle tracking system and mobile GIS to create a unified user application environment. AG&P Pratham has been utilising GIS to improve coordination, planning processes, data quality and relative positioning within its network.
Whether it is through minimising planning time, improving design productivity, increasing bill efficiency or improving data management, GIS solutions help gas utilities optimise their operations by providing 100 per cent visibility of the enterprise network, which is vital to drive greater value.
The way forward
Digital transformation in the CGD sector has the potential to revolutionise the way gas is distributed in the country. By leveraging GIS applications, it can improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer service. As the sector continues to evolve, GIS is likely to play an increasingly important role in driving digital transformation and ensuring that gas is delivered safely and reliably to customers.
The future of GIS in the CGD sector is bright, with a growing need for the technology to help organisations plan and manage their networks. By adopting GIS, utilities can reap multiple benefits such as operational efficiency, enhanced safety and better customer service, and stay ahead of the curve. n
Based on remarks by
Devesh Jha, Regional Sales Leader, GE Digital Grid,
at a recent India Infrastructure conference