GIS for Utilities: How Electric, Water, Gas and Telecom Networks Use GIS

What is GIS for utilities?

GIS for utilities is a geographic information system built to model a utility network. It stores each asset, its place on the ground and its links to other assets. So it works as a live record of the network, not just a map.

A plain map shows where a pipe or cable runs. However, a utility GIS also knows what feeds it, what it feeds and which valve or switch can isolate it. That is why utilities call it a network model. In turn, this connected model lets teams trace flows, find affected customers and plan new work with confidence.

Most utilities use the GIS across the whole asset life cycle. For example, planners design new links in it, field crews check records on mobile devices and control room staff use it during faults. Our GIS consulting services cover each of these stages for electric, water, gas and telecom firms.

How do electric utilities use GIS?

Electric utilities use GIS to model lines, cables, transformers, switches and customer connections from the substation to the meter. Then they use that model to manage outages, plan load and connect new customers.

In an electric network, switch states matter a great deal. For instance, one open switch changes which customers a feeder supplies. So the GIS must track normal and current states and pass them to outage and distribution systems. In addition, the rise of rooftop solar, batteries and EV chargers means the model must now hold far more assets at the low voltage edge.

• Outage support: if a device fails, trace which customers sit behind it.
• Network planning: check loads first, then find room for new connections.
• Asset care: record poles, cables and transformers so crews can plan maintenance.
• New connections: also design the service path from the nearest transformer.

Because electric GIS is a large topic, we cover it in full in our complete guide to GIS for electric utilities. You can also see our electric utility GIS services.

How do water utilities use GIS?

Water utilities use GIS to model mains, valves, hydrants, meters and pump stations. In particular, the main goals are to cut water loss, isolate bursts quickly and plan pipe renewal.

Water loss is a pressing issue, because every lost litre costs money. For example, Malaysia’s National Water Services Commission (SPAN) put national non-revenue water at 37.1 percent in 2023, as reported by the New Straits Times. Also, the government aims to bring it down to 28.8 percent by 2030. Therefore, water operators need accurate records of every main and meter.

Next, water models often feed hydraulic tools for pressure and flow studies. So the GIS must keep pipe sizes, levels and links clean. Learn more on our water utility GIS page.

How do gas utilities use GIS?

Gas utilities use GIS to model pipes, regulators, valves, service lines and pressure zones. Above all, they use it for safety, because staff must know where every pipe runs and how to isolate it.

First, a gas GIS splits the network into pressure systems, from high pressure lines to low pressure service pipes. Then a trace can show which valves cut off a section and which customers it affects. Also, the GIS supports leak surveys, pipe inspection records and work near third party digs.

In Malaysia, the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga) regulates the electricity supply and piped gas industries in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. So gas firms need records they can rely on for licensing, safety and audits. See our gas utility GIS services for more.

How do telecom operators use GIS?

Telecom operators use GIS to model ducts, poles, cables, fibres, splice points and equipment. Unlike a pipe network, a fibre network also needs records of each circuit and port, so the model goes deeper inside each asset.

A single cable can hold hundreds of fibres, and each fibre can serve a different customer. So telecom GIS must track splices, port use and spare capacity. In fact, Esri says its telecom domain network handles very large numbers of circuits, gaps in connectivity and shared resources. Similarly, GE Vernova offers Smallworld Network Inventory for Telecom for planning, design, build and operation.

1. Plan routes using existing ducts, poles and rights of way first.
2. Design cables, splices and splitters next for each area.
3. Build the network and then record it from field data.
4. Operate the network while tracking circuits, faults and spare fibres.

In Malaysia, fibre rollout has grown under JENDELA, the national digital infrastructure plan announced in August 2020. In particular, at launch it aimed to give 7.5 million premises access to gigabit-speed fixed broadband. As a result, operators must record large volumes of new fibre quickly. Our telecom GIS team supports this work.

Can one GIS data model serve several utility networks?

Yes, one GIS can serve several networks if the data model separates what they share from what makes each one unique. Multi-utility firms and city councils often take this path, because it cuts duplicate data.

For example, Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network uses domain networks and a structure network. In short, each domain network holds one commodity, such as electric, gas or water. Meanwhile, the shared structure network holds items like poles and vaults that support assets from any domain.

What should all networks share?

• Structures: poles, ducts, chambers and buildings that carry more than one network.
• Base maps: roads, land parcels and imagery, so every team uses one trusted source.
• Asset IDs: one key scheme, because each asset must link to ERP and other systems.
• Quality rules: common checks for links, required fields and geometry, so errors stay low.
• Edit process: one way to propose, review and post changes.

However, each network still needs its own rules. For instance, electric links depend on phases and switch states, while water links depend on valves and flow direction. So keep the shared core small and let each domain add what it needs. When you move older records into a new model, plan the GIS data migration as its own stream.

Which systems does a utility GIS connect to?

A utility GIS usually connects to outage management (OMS), SCADA, ERP and customer systems (CRM). Each link gives those systems a correct picture of the network, and in return the GIS gains live status or business data.

For electric firms, the IEC 61968 series defines interfaces for power system management. So many electric links use its Common Information Model to swap network data. However, other networks rely more on vendor tools or custom links. Either way, stable asset IDs matter most, because a changed ID can break every link at once.

How should a utility choose a GIS platform?

Choose a utility GIS platform by how well it fits your networks, links, skills and budget. Brand matters less than how the platform handles your network model and your daily work.

The main options include GE Vernova Smallworld, Esri ArcGIS, Hexagon and open source tools such as QGIS with GeoServer. Each has strengths, but none fits every case. For example, Smallworld and the ArcGIS Utility Network both offer full network models, while open source tools can suit viewing and light editing at lower licence cost. Our comparison of QGIS vs ArcGIS for utilities covers one common choice.

Finally, think about the field. In fact, many records improve fastest when crews can update them on site. Our guide to mobile GIS field data collection explains how to set this up.

What should Malaysian utilities consider when planning GIS?

Malaysian utilities should plan GIS around their regulators, their loss and growth targets and local data rules. Also, each network type faces its own pressure, so the GIS plan should reflect it.

For water firms, therefore, loss targets make accurate main and meter records a priority. Meanwhile, electric and gas firms report to the Energy Commission in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, so they need audit-ready records. Telecom operators, in turn, must record fast fibre growth without letting data quality slip.

Also, customer data in a utility GIS falls under the Personal Data Protection Act. So if you plan cloud hosting or offshore support, check your data flows with your legal team first. In short, a good GIS plan treats data rules as part of the design, not an afterthought.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to start with GIS for utilities?

Overall, the best start is a clear view of your networks, your data and the systems that depend on them. Then you can choose a model and platform that fit, rather than forcing your work into a tool.

First, list the networks you run and the key tasks for each one. Next, check the quality of your current records. Then map the links your GIS must feed, such as OMS, SCADA, ERP and CRM. Finally, test short-listed platforms with your own data. As a result, your teams get one trusted network record that supports safe, efficient work every day.