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Trimble > Case Studies > Utility Uses Trimble Technology to Develop Accurate GIS Database of Medium-Voltage (MV) Network

Utility Uses Trimble Technology to Develop Accurate GIS Database of Medium-Voltage (MV) Network

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Customer Company Size
Large Corporate
Region
  • Europe
Country
  • Serbia
Product
  • Trimble GeoXT 2005 series handhelds
  • Trimble TerraSync Professional software
  • Trimble Pathfinder Office software
  • AED-SICAD ArcFM UT GIS database
  • Safe Software’s FME application
Tech Stack
  • Windows Mobile
  • ESRI shapefile format
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office Access
Implementation Scale
  • Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
  • Productivity Improvements
  • Cost Savings
  • Customer Satisfaction
Technology Category
  • Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
  • Analytics & Modeling - Data-as-a-Service
  • Sensors - GPS
Applicable Industries
  • Utilities
Applicable Functions
  • Maintenance
  • Facility Management
Use Cases
  • Remote Asset Management
  • Asset Health Management (AHM)
  • Predictive Maintenance
Services
  • System Integration
  • Software Design & Engineering Services
About The Customer
Electric Power Distribution Company of Belgrade (EDB) is the primary utility provider for Belgrade, Serbia, a city with over 1.5 million residents. As the capital and a major traffic hub in Southeastern Europe, Belgrade relies heavily on EDB for its electric power distribution needs. EDB manages a sophisticated power grid comprising 6,500 km of underground power lines and 9,500 km of overhead transmission lines. Despite its advanced infrastructure, EDB faced challenges with an outdated mapping system, which hindered efficient maintenance and repair operations. The company employs 1,700 people and is committed to providing reliable and efficient power distribution services to its customers.
The Challenge
EDB, Serbia's largest utility, faced challenges with an outdated graphical mapping system for its medium-voltage network. The existing system was a mix of paper-based surveys, CAD files, and aerial photos, which made it difficult for EDB's 1,700 employees to efficiently service and repair equipment. The organization needed a comprehensive, enterprise-wide GIS database to improve maintenance and network planning. The goal was to create a single database with accurate data entry that could be accessed via the web by all employees and related public departments.
The Solution
To address the challenges, EDB selected Trimble's GeoXT high-performance submeter GPS handhelds equipped with Windows Mobile and Trimble TerraSync Professional software for data collection. The organization also used Trimble GPS Pathfinder Office software for differential correction of data. The solution involved creating a data dictionary to ensure consistent data collection and compatibility with EDB's AED-SICAD ArcFM UT GIS database. Field teams collected data on utility poles, including attributes like pole number, type, and condition, and uploaded the data for post-processing. The corrected data was integrated into EDB's GIS system using Safe Software's FME application, resulting in an updated enterprise GIS geodatabase accessible via the AED-SICAD UT web application.
Operational Impact
  • EDB successfully collected accurate position and attribute data for 31,000 utility poles in approximately 1,300 field hours, significantly faster than traditional methods.
  • The use of Trimble GPS handhelds and software improved data accuracy and integrity, supporting better decision-making and efficient maintenance operations.
  • The updated GIS database allows for more effective preventative and emergency maintenance, reducing equipment downtime and improving service quality.
  • The project demonstrated substantial return on investment, with increased confidence in data accuracy and reduced operational costs.
  • The GIS system is now accessible to all EDB employees and related public departments, enhancing collaboration and strategic planning.
Quantitative Benefit
  • Mapped 31,000 utility poles, with over 20,000 mapped in one year.
  • Field crews spent 1,300 hours collecting data, hundreds of hours less than anticipated.

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