In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, utilities are under increasing pressure to modernize their grid infrastructure, improve reliability, and integrate distributed energy resources (DERs). At the heart of this transformation lies Geographic Information Systems (GIS)—a technology that has become indispensable to grid operations.
Spatial intelligence for smarter decisions
GIS provides the spatial context that utilities need to manage complex grid assets. From substations and transformers to underground cables and smart meters, every component of the grid exists in a physical location. GIS maps these assets with precision, enabling operators to visualize the entire network in real time. This spatial intelligence is critical for planning, maintenance, outage response, and long-term infrastructure investment.
For example, when a fault occurs, GIS-powered systems can trace the network to identify affected customers, isolate the issue, and dispatch crews with accurate location data. This reduces downtime and improves customer satisfaction.
Integration with utility network models
Modern GIS platforms, such as Esri’s ArcGIS Modern Network Information Management System, go beyond simple mapping. They model the electrical, gas, telecom or water networks as a connected system governed by rules and associations. Utility-specific applications like ArcFM Solution XI leverage these rule-based models to help GIS teams validate data, trace connectivity, and manage subnetworks as changes and updates are made to reflect the real-world state of network assets. This ensures that grid operations are not only spatially aware but also logically consistent.
By enforcing connectivity and containment rules, GIS helps utilities maintain data integrity and avoid costly errors. It also supports advanced analytics, such as load forecasting and DER impact analysis, by providing a reliable foundation of spatial and network data.
Field mobility and real-time updates
GIS extends grid operations into the field through mobile applications. Field crews equipped with mobile devices and applications like ArcFM Mobile XI can access GIS data offline, perform inspections, and update asset conditions in real time. These updates sync back to the central GIS, ensuring that decision-makers always have the latest information.
This mobility is especially valuable during storm events or emergency repairs, where time is critical and accurate location data can mean the difference between hours and minutes of outage.
Supporting the digital utility
As utilities transition to digital workflows, GIS serves as the backbone for design, construction, and asset management. Digital twins of the grid—virtual replicas of physical infrastructure—are built on GIS platforms. These twins enable scenario planning, predictive maintenance, and integration with systems like ADMS (Advanced Distribution Management Systems) and OMS (Outage Management Systems).
GIS also plays a key role in regulatory compliance and reporting. By maintaining accurate records of asset locations, conditions, and connectivity, utilities can streamline audits and demonstrate adherence to safety and reliability standards.
Key takeaways
GIS is no longer just a mapping tool—it’s a strategic asset for grid operations. It empowers utilities with spatial awareness, data integrity, and operational efficiency. As the grid becomes more dynamic and decentralized, GIS will continue to be the foundation for smarter, safer, and more resilient energy systems.
Looking to modernize your GIS systems to achieve these transformative gains? Reach out to talk to us about Schneider Electric’s One Digital Grid Platform enabled with ArcFM, ADMS, DERMs, and AMS and maximize your transition to Esri’s Modern Network Information Management System.
About the author
Matthew Crooks, Global Product Management Leader for ArcFM
With over 14 years at Schneider Electric and a deep well of industry experience, Matt plays a key role in shaping the vision and strategy behind ArcFM XI and EcoStruxure™ Grid Asset Performance (EGAP) tools.
Add a comment