AWWA IMT98011

As utilities upgrade their information systems and networking capabilities, they are now presented with the opportunity to integrate their water modeling databases, software, and activities with other information systems including geographic information systems (GIS), maintenance management systems (MMS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and others. This paper outlines the major issues that water utilities must address when integrating models with their information management systems. Primary focus is on the direct integration between water models and GIS databases. Topics include: how to integrate models with other information management systems within the utility; trends in modeling and information management technology that have facilitated integration, the impact of full or partial integration; technical issues regarding how to design (or modify) database structure and content to facilitate integration; to what extent the integration of models with other information systems should be automated; and, determining how much custom application development is necessary to facilitate integration. One utility's experiences in the development of such integrated systems is highlighted.