Trail Documentation for the Smallworld Electricity Data Model

This module is an ideal extension for utility companies who want to document their power grid in detail including precise locations of cable trenches. Based on the Smallworld sector-specific data model for electricity, customers with a classical multi-line cable depiction are also able to quickly switch to the singular trail depiction.

The map shows correct locations of cable trenches. Overhead power lines are depicted using a trail centre line or a trail surface area. Furthermore, the trail surface area visualises the actual location (width, etc.) of a trench or overhead power lines. This map does not contain visual information regarding individual cables. However, profile views are available including labels.

This module can be helpful in the following scenarios:

• if maps with a trail depiction already exist
• when transitioning from a multi-line cable visualisation to a singular trail depiction, for example if there is a lack of space or
• when a more cost-efficient method for documenting detailed maps is required

The process of creating maps is consistent with classical approaches where GIS data is quickly applied:

• Creating an overview map: As there are no strict requirements regarding precision, this map can be edited relatively quickly.
• Digitalising trails in the detailed map: Only a single trail is documented and not every individual cable.
• Assigning cables to trenches: If objects that can be assigned to a trench are available in the map, no new objects have to be edited. Instead, they can be selected and allocated to the correct trench.

Trail Solution for Detailed and Overview Maps

Users can decide whether the trail module should be implemented to depict cables in a detailed or overview map. A classical approach is applied to firstly generate an overview map. However, applying the singular trail documentation to detailed maps is easier. Documented cables are still available in cable management plans and can be used for analyses and calculation. If the geographical overview map is empty, other themes can be displayed in the map such as plans for switching off electricity supply or geo-schematic plans.

Trail Surface Area and Intelligent Profile Views

Individual cables that are covered by a trail surface area can be made visible. This type of documentation is called “electricity multi-line documentation including trail surface area (I-Trab)”. The intelligence is mainly found in profile views. Thanks to a proficient configuration, these profile views are created and visualised in just a few mouse clicks. They are either depicted as a profile cross section or a spherical cross section with labels. Cable labels can be edited directly in the profile view.