The aim of the paper is to inform about some experience with several particular projects of using GIS data to build network models. However, there are many differences between implementations of GIS system even if the similar information is stored there. Considerable effort was thus spent on the definition and implementation of more general data interface and data processing procedures useful for the network model. The following topics are especially discussed in this paper:
Import of GIS data and their extensive checking and validation to assist effective maintenance of the network model.
Conversion of geospatial information into a graphical scheme used in a simulation system to allow the enduser for comfortable simulation control (e.g. zooming and snapping to frequently operated objects)
Update import mode - the possibility of simulation network model update from GIS data preserving additional changes made by end-user within the simulation environment.
Possibility of transfer of initial network object status (e.g. valve position, regulator settings) and off-take data either to perform automated steady-state calculations or to make these data available for further use within the simulation environment.
Possibility of using industry standards for data exchange between GIS and the simulation software.
The integration of GIS and other information systems has become a general trend for all network operators including gas distribution and pipeline system companies. The position of a gas network simulation package within the above mentioned process of integration with GIS is reviewed in this paper.
The real enterprise business information systems usually consist of several specialized cooperative subsystems. In gas industry, application products are clustered around five key areas:
Commercial systems (Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), billing, costs, sales, marketing)
Gas management (SCADA, simulation software, gas quality, gas input)
Asset management and business intelligence
Operation management (Geographic Information Systems (GIS), network maintenance, spatial references)
Office products (document management, statistics, communication) Simulation software provides support for gas management, and can offer many benefits for major business processes such PSIG 04B4
Pavel Reinstein, SIMONE Research Group as planning, operations, constructions, maintenance, or emergency response of a gas utility. The main part of simulation software is the pipeline model.
Network description data, especially spatial one, are frequently stored in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Gas simulation package works on a network model that can advantageously be established on data imported from GIS. During the import preparation is often necessary to collect data from several sources. In principle most information is stored in GIS, but other data can be obtained from SCADA system (especially initial position of valves, setpoints etc.), from invoicing system or from ERP system. However even after that data might not be complete. Next information may be included in product specification, operation manuals; documentation and industry standards (control valve characteristic, compressor station equipment, technological limitation).
