ArcGIS Solutions helps you make the most of your GIS by providing purpose-driven, industry-specific configurations of ArcGIS.
In today’s fast-paced world, efficient data management is crucial, especially for organizations striving to optimize their operations. One of the most powerful tools available for managing utility data is a utility network, a comprehensive framework for modeling and managing complex utility systems.
Utility networks can be complex and may seem daunting even to seasoned GIS professionals, but don’t worry! ArcGIS Solutions has you covered with our new step-by-step data migration tutorial for the sewer industry (more industries to follow). Released in November 2024, this tutorial guides you through the process of migrating data to a utility network and provides you with the knowledge and skills you need for a smooth and effective transition.
Still dubious? Check out the answers to some frequently asked questions:
Why should I migrate to a utility network?
A utility network allows for better management of assets, improved analysis capabilities, and enhanced operational efficiency. By migrating your data, you can take advantage of advanced features such as tracing, network analysis, and subnetwork management, which can lead to more informed decision-making and improved service delivery.
What challenges can I expect?
Migrating data to a new platform has never been easy, and your organization may face various challenges that could impact the success of the process. One common challenge is ensuring data quality and consistency; inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to errors in the utility network. Another hurdle is the complexity of data transformation, especially if your organization has diverse datasets and requires careful planning to avoid data loss.
How does the tutorial address these challenges?
Our goal is to empower organizations to overcome challenges and successfully migrate their data to the utility network. With that in mind, we have designed a comprehensive set of instructions to guide you through the process of migrating a known model to the utility network. In the tutorial, we address the following topics:
Data transformation complexity
Step-by-step instructions and an explanation of best practices for mapping attributes, relationships, and spatial information to the utility network model simplify the complex data transformation process. The data transformation and migration is done using a set of newly developed tools to make an efficient migration process.
Data quality and consistency
Detailed guidance on data cleanup and validation techniques ensures that the migrated data is accurate and complete.
Utility network creation
Comprehensive steps for creating a utility network from the migrated data and enabling subnetworks help you create a fully functional utility network.
What tools are used in the tutorial?
In our continuous effort to streamline the data migration process to the utility network, ArcGIS Solutions has developed several innovative tools designed to simplify and enhance the migration experience. These new tools are part of the Utility Data Management Support toolbox, which is included with every Utility Network Foundation solution.
Utility Network Copy Workbook tools
The Asset Package toolset now includes the Create Utility Network Copy Workbook and Apply Utility Network Copy Workbook tools. These powerful tools leverage the familiar Excel workbook format to facilitate the copying of asset groups, asset types, and utility network properties from one data model to another. With their user-friendly interface, these tools allow users to easily expand the data model by efficiently transferring asset and model information between asset packages.
Data Mapping tools
The Data Migration toolset has been expanded to include the Create Simple Data Mapping and Create Migration Workspace tools. Create Simple Data Mapping creates an intuitive Excel workbook for mapping source data to the target asset package. This tool is as easy as it is valuable; simply use an Excel drop-down menu to pick where you want the source data to go. The complementary Create Migration Workspace tool acts as a front end to the data loading tools, simplifying the mapping process by generating a prepopulated data loading workspace along with a modified asset package based on the Excel workbook created by the Create Simple Data Mapping tool. These tools also offer optional advanced functionality, such as creating automated associations and copying fields and domains. This streamlined approach not only saves time but reduces the complexity associated with data-mapping tasks.
How do I get started?
After deploying Sewer Utility Network Foundation solution to your ArcGIS organization, follow the steps in the Data migration tutorial, found in ArcGIS Solutions online help documentation.
When will tutorials for other industries be available?
In early 2025, we expect to release tutorials for the water, unbalanced electric distribution, and electric transmission industries. Regardless of your industry, check out the sewer industry tutorial; all tutorials will adhere to a consistent workflow and core concepts, ensuring that the knowledge gained can be universally applied towards any industry.
Learn More
For more information about data migration and the Utility Network Foundation solutions, check out the following resources:
- Check out the new data migration tutorial.
- Learn how to deploy, configure, and use the Sewer Utility Network Foundation solution.
- View the ArcGIS Solutions: Utility Network Foundations
- Learn more about ArcGIS Solutions.
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