Training Course on GIS for Public Utilities Planning - GIS Software

Module 1: Introduction to GIS for Public Utilities

Theory:

GIS fundamentals in utility management.

Types of utility networks: water, electricity, gas, telecommunications.

Overview of GIS tools for planning, monitoring, and decision-making.

Applications: Utility mapping, network planning, service delivery optimization.

Hands-on: Explore utility datasets and visualize network infrastructure.

Case Study: Mapping water distribution networks in a city.

Module 2: Geospatial Data Acquisition and Management

Theory:

Sources of geospatial data: satellite imagery, surveys, GPS, IoT sensors.

Data formats, projections, and GIS database management.

Data quality, accuracy, and metadata standards.

Hands-on: Import, clean, and manage utility data in GIS software.

Case Study: Integrating multiple utility datasets (water, electricity) for analysis.

Module 3: Network Modeling and Analysis

Theory:

GIS concepts for utility network modeling: nodes, edges, connectivity.

Hydraulic modeling, electrical load flow, and pipeline capacity analysis.

Network topologies and optimization methods.

Hands-on: Build and analyze a utility network in GIS.

Case Study: Optimizing a water supply network for reduced leakage and improved service.

Module 4: Service Area Analysis and Site Selection

Theory:

Techniques for service coverage analysis using buffers, drive-time, and demand zones.

Multi-criteria decision analysis for site selection.

Factors affecting utility infrastructure placement: population density, terrain, cost.

Hands-on: Identify optimal locations for new utility substations or pumping stations.

Case Study: Site selection for electricity substations using GIS spatial analysis.

Module 5: Spatial Optimization of Utility Networks

Theory:

Methods for network optimization: shortest path, least-cost routing, connectivity analysis.

Scenario modeling for network expansion or upgrade.

Hands-on: Optimize pipeline or electricity network layout to minimize costs and losses.

Case Study: Optimizing a city’s gas distribution network.

Module 6: Asset Management and Maintenance Planning

Theory:

GIS-based asset inventory and condition assessment.

Predictive maintenance and risk mapping.

Integration of maintenance schedules with spatial data.

Hands-on: Develop an asset management map with inspection schedules.

Case Study: Prioritizing maintenance of aging water pipes using GIS.

Module 7: Real-Time Monitoring and IoT Integration

Theory:

GIS integration with IoT sensors for monitoring utilities.

Real-time data streaming, dashboards, and alerts.

Hands-on: Simulate real-time monitoring of a utility network and visualize in GIS.

Case Study: Real-time electricity consumption monitoring and outage management.

Module 8: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Theory:

Using GIS to assess environmental and social impacts of utility projects.

Spatial modeling for risk analysis and mitigation planning.

Hands-on: Map flood-prone areas and assess utility vulnerability.

Case Study: Environmental impact of expanding a city water supply network.

Module 9: Reporting, Visualization, and Decision Support

Theory:

Creating maps, dashboards, and reports for stakeholders.

Interactive visualization for public utility management.

GIS-based decision support tools for planning and resource allocation.

Hands-on: Develop a dashboard summarizing utility performance and service coverage.

Case Study: Interactive reporting for municipal utility managers.

Module 10: Capstone Project

Project Examples:

Design and optimize a water distribution network for a municipality.

Plan electricity network expansion using population and demand analysis.

GIS-based monitoring and maintenance plan for gas pipelines.

Hands-on: Complete end-to-end GIS workflow: data collection → analysis → network design → visualization → reporting.

Presentation: Demonstrate project outcomes, decision-making insights, and recommendations.