Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/78956
to LVVWD, then could be taken into account by the algorithm. In addition, the custom approach could "wrap" a solution tailored for platform-neutral non-GIS users as well as embed tools to support communica- tion and collaboration of VI results with others. Where the Rubber Hits the Road The VI system's open architecture allowed the inte- gration of VI capabilities within existing tools used by district personnel. One of the main GIS tools is FacilityView, the district's GIS portal used by more than 450 staff on a regular basis. A "Valve Isolation" applet was designed to interact with the VI system and provide simplicity of use and key functions needed by office and field staff alike. Key functions include the following: record the installation of affected infrastructure. The VI module walks users through the process and saves analysis results, including enumeration of affected services, identification of shutdown valves and the ability to print schematics that detail the as-builts for affected infrastructure (see Figure 2). The valves that isolate the main break are clearly identified and easily accessed (see Figure 3). Details about the valve (e.g., number of turns, manufacturer, install date, etc.) also are available. A key feature of the application is the ability for users to "exclude" a valve and re-run the trace. This is important, because it's not unusual for field staff to run across an inoperable valve or a mistake with as-builts (see Figure 4). Results of a VI analysis can be shared with others, allowing teams to view the same data, use the appli- cation to run reports, and inspect affected services and infrastructure. Results also can be sent to the district's modeling team, which uses advanced hydraulic software for verification purposes and to determine other issues, such as low pressure, that can impact flow. This is done for planned closures, and results are saved until deleted by owners. The application also accesses GIS maps produced for the area and engineering records that detail the installation of affected services. "Cloud" print services allow users to "print and go" without the need to con- The approach taken by LVVWD accelerated the implementation of a geometric network and applica- tion capable of supporting VI analysis without compro- mising existing GIS products and services. Controlling the entire system design and implementation allowed a quicker resolution of data and analysis issues, and Figure 5. The LVVWD VI application reports the engineering- record drawings associated with the construction of affected facilities. GIS maps also are identified. it facilitated customization closely aligned with the district's business processes. Users now have a tool that's easy to use and provides powerful capabilities not readily available in commercial GIS software. Keath Long is GIS advanced technical research analyst, Anthony Fiti is applications developer, Jimmy Bowden is CAD analyst and Jonathan Pickus is manager, Las Vegas Valley Water District, AM/FM/GIS Division; e-mail: keath.long@lvvwd.com, anthony.fiti@lvvwd.com, jimmy.bowden@lvvwd.com and jon.pickus@lvvwd.com, respectively. The Las Vegas Water District Manages Service Outages Before they Happen ADVERTISERINDEX ADVERTISER GeoDirectory www.geoplace.com/directory GeoSpatial Matters www.geoplace.com/GPM GeoWorld Emergency Management eBook www.geoplace.com/ebook GeoWorld on Facebook www.facebook.com/geoworldmag GeoWorld Subscriptions www.geoplace.com/subscribe PAGE 13 9 5 32 31 AUGUST 2O12 / WWW . GEOPLA CE . COM 25