9.20 An Overview Of The Current GIS Environment Across Australian Utilities

This introductory session facilitated by the chair aims to present the key themes of the event and provides context to the challenges and issue by establishing the recent advancements and position of GIS in utilities. It is important to offer the opportunity to share ideas on the key interests of delegates at the beginning of the event in order to set in a direction that works towards achieving these goals.

• What is the current state of GIS and what challenges or issues arise that are specific to utilities?
• Defining and understanding the fundamental principals that drive GIS and the varying capabilities of each organisation (based on size, priorities, location, type of utility etc)
• What are the ideals that we seek to reach and how do we bridge that gap between these ideals and reality in order to move one step closer?

Scott Reid
National Manager Asset Data Services Asset Integrity & Risk
JEMENA

10.00 GIS Centric Asset Management

• An overview of GIS enabled Asset Management business processes
• Using the GIS database to store the Asset Inventory – advantages, advantages
• Developing a Strategic Asset Management Plan, risk management, maintenance strategies and sustainability
• GIS enabled Works Maintenance – seeing your organisation and maintenance schedules at work
• GIS in the field for updating Condition Assessment and Field Works Maintenance
• Using GIS to facilitate your Dial Before You Dig commitments

Jason Grech
Director
GVIZ

11.10 Impact Of The Newly Implemented ‘Dial Before You Dig’ Legislation And The Benefits To Members

• Understanding industry regulations and how they impact both utilities and contractors
• Utilising the web based tools to assist with your DBYD experience
• Evaluating the processes involved in your mapping systems to ensure that you are extracting the most valid and reliable information
• Minimising damage and boosting protection of underground assets across all utilities

Dominic Puiu
NSW State Manager
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG

11.55 Identifying Problems Faced By Regional NSW Local Government Utilities In The Operation, Delivery And Maintenance Of Spatial Information Systems

A study was conducted over early 2009 included 25 local government councils which investigates the use of spatial information systems on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales. Information on a few key issues was the focus of this particular study to get a collaborative view of the current standards, and expectations and include;

• Delivery of sustainable development
• Rapidly changing technology
• Australian inventiveness

Brendan Soustal
GIS Manager
MID COAST WATER

1.30 FACILITATED DISCUSSION: Ensuring Data Capture, Integrity And Maintenance

• What are the key strategies in data maintenence?
• Discuss the most effective methods of data capture
• What GIS tool sets are available currently?
• What is the value in moving into the spatial ‘space’

David Walter
Network Portfolio Manager
INTEGRAL ENERGY

2.15 CAD To GIS – Bridging The Gap Between Spatial Information & Data Capturing

• Investigating the need to support CAD and GIS in the industry
• Looking at tools to facilitate interoperability between CAD to GIS software
• Means of facilitating accurate data within GIS
• Perspective from a user of the CAD to GIS philosophy from a major utility

Andrew Hill
Geospatial, Consulting and Development Solutions Director
AEC SYSTEMS

3.25 Analysing Best Practice Strategies For GIS Management

• Ensuring accurate asset capture from the outset by forecasting what future asset needs will develop
• Retaining data integrity over time
• Delivering an effective approach to aligning GIS and corporate goals
• Automating data input through mobile mapping and real-time data input capabilities

Martin Dunkley
Manager Asset Information Systems
‘US’ - Utility Services

4.10 FACILITATED DISCUSSION: Consolidate Your Learning: Benchmarking Your Asset Location And Mapping Strategies To Bridge The Gap Between Your Operations And Best Practice

• Evaluating the current GIS capabilities in asset detection, repair and replacement and aligning this with process improvements
• Locating buried assets in all geographic ground conditions and how these may require different approaches
• Integrating new data with existing data in a common framework
• Detecting confounding variables: Distortions, ground conditions and asset types

Panellists include:

4.40 Close Of Day One

4.45 Start Of (Separately Bookable) Workshop A: Applying The Concepts Of GIS To Deliver A Complete Asset Management Solution