Information Systems

Information Technology

GIS Overview

Consolidated Utility District uses GIS technology to integrate all kinds of information and applications with a geographic component into one, manageable system. GIS allows CUD to organize, manage, and distribute geographic information pulled from various databases.

CUD also use GIS technology to track the location and condition of water mains, valves, hydrants, meters, pumps and storage facilities.

GIS Scope

In 2004 CUD began an aggressive project to GPS locate and accurately represent all meters, valves, and other vital system components. This GPS location allowed for proper display in relation to mapping data provided by Rutherford County’s GIS department. This data includes parcel information, building polygons, and edge of pavement information just to name a few. As a result the district has centimeter level accuracy on over 97% of its visible assets. Data from previous mapping displays, paper maps, and CAD drawings were combined and adjusted to reflect real-world locations in addition to feature information such as line size and material.

As a result of this effort the District now has an accurate and comprehensive map displaying locations and other critical information about its infrastructure.

GIS Uses

GIS is used in a variety of ways. A main function of GIS is to know the location of water features and information about them. The ability to associate supporting information such as customer information in relation to meters is an example of this. Staff is able to view information about a customer by simply clicking on a meter without the need of accessing multiple programs even though the information is stored in multiple locations.

GIS also is used to analyze information such as fire hydrant locations for fire protection purposes. Staff can quickly and accurately evaluate service availability for new customers and answer questions about existing services. Line capacities and ability to serve request can be easily answered without viewing multiple maps.

CUD also uses GIS as a display platform for its AVL system. AVL stands for Automated Vehicle Location and uses GPS technology and radios to provide county wide coverage. All District vehicles are equipped with AVL that constantly report locations to the GIS system and display them on the system map. This allows for effective dispatch, and assists field staff in location of system infrastructure.

CUD & ESRI

CUD utilizes ESRI's enterprise level software to maintain, manage, and update its GIS. ESRI is considered the industry standard in utility mapping software. CUD maintains data in ESRI’s best practices techniques and methodology. Using this platform also allows the ability to easily exchange data with local government and utilities within CUD’s service boundary.

CUD also hosts ESRI instructor led training for the State of Tennessee. The training covers a variety of ESRI software and applications. For a full description of classes offered at CUD by ESRI please visit ESRI Training.

Department Contacts:

Andy Koostra
Systems Manager
Telephone: (615) 867-7306
E-mail: akoostra@cudrc.com

Charlie Ailes
Systems/Database Technician
Telephone: (615) 225-3323
E-mail: cailes@cudrc.com