"Environmentally Speaking" - A Gannett Fleming E-newsletter

 

Inside this article:
» Lebanon » Northampton 
» Project Results » GIS Definition 

 

 

 

"Gannett Fleming has been instrumental with its GIS implementation.  Converting the paper maps of sewer, water and storm water systems will allow the City of Lebanon Authority to provide a quicker response to problems, better analysis for future expansions, compliance with the GASB 34 inventory requirements and system modeling capabilities."

- Jonathan Beers, 
Lebanon Public Works Director

 
 

 

 Improving Utility Systems Management:

Two Pennsylvania Profiles

As municipalities grow, their public works departments face increasing demands to manage enormous amounts of utility systems information, as well as to meet state and federal regulations.  The City of Lebanon Authority (CLA) and the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority (NBMA) are no different.

These communities are responsible for efficiently and effectively managing their assets; serving their citizens; and ensuring their residents’ health, safety and well being.

 

 

As Previously Defined . . .
GIS, an integral IMS component, is a computer technology, capable of assembling, storing, manipulating and displaying geographically referenced information according to its locations.  GIS combines layers of information to provide a better understanding of the data (eg, utility system information).  

^back to top^

^back to top^

^back to top^

GIS Benefits

  • Improves data accuracy

  • Increases productivity

  • Illustrates data in a different way

  • Automates tasks

  • Enhances customer service

  • Supports asset management

  • Saves time and money.

^back to top^

 

 

 

Notes:

* This site is best viewed in IE or Netscape 5.0 or higher for PCs at 800x600 resolution.

*Click here for site disclaimer.

How do I subscribe or unsubscribe?

To start receiving your FREE subscription to "Environmentally Speaking", please send an e-mail to environmental@gfnet.com and include your name, address and telephone number in the body of your message.  Your information will remain STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

To stop receiving "Environmentally Speaking", just send an e-mail to the same address with "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject field of your message.

  

Lebanon

The CLA recognized that it could improve its ability to manage its growing water, wastewater and storm water systems and ultimately better serve its residents by utilizing advanced information management system (IMS) tools.  

The Authority is developing and implementing a geographic information system (GIS) for its water, wastewater, and storm water systems.  This is one part of an overall public works improvement plan which encompasses computer mapping, asset management and modeling.

Assessment

The first step of Lebanon's IMS program was to conduct a needs assessment. This study defined the City’s current utility management efforts, work processes, data sources and general information management needs.

Once completed, Gannett Fleming was able to identify the necessary steps to develop and implement effective IMS solutions.

GIS

Paper utility maps currently being used by the City will be scanned, digitized and converted to a format that can be managed by the GIS.

This new GIS will also be integrated with the CLA's current asset management software.

Northampton

Similar to Lebanon's initiatives, the NBMA recognized the benefits of IMS technology for its water distribution system (WDS).  

Northampton utilized GIS to upgrade its system mapping and to also develop a computer model of its WDS, which will enhance NBMA's ability to manage and analyze its system.

GIS and Modeling

Parcel mapping and digital aerial photography obtained from Northampton and Lehigh Counties were used to accurately place water system features based on the state plane coordinate system.  

A pilot area was also completed, which identified and corrected potential problems prior to initiating the WDS mapping conversion.  

The resulting GIS is managing information on Northampton's WDS infrastructure assets.  This includes pipelines, hydrants and valves.

It also provides the framework for a  significantly enhanced WDS modeling application.

Results 

By improving data management through IMS technologies, both authorities can enhance procedures and decision-making processes for their systems. 

GIS, modeling software and other IMS tools will work together to allow the CLA and the NBMA to view and manage system assets and information graphically. 

This interface will not only save time and money, but facilitate financial reporting compliance efforts.

IMS implementation ultimately improves both authorities' ability to provide safe and reliable utility service to customers, while responding to residents’ system inquires.