A computer assisted decision strategy for evaluating new satellite hub sites for a local utility provider

Abstract “Satellite” is a geographic information system designed to aid a local public utility in siting hub facilities and for describing field work activity. Such activity is one of the most important influences on the morphology of the urban built environment. “Satellite” is illustrated using 16 megabytes of data of utility work-orders from the three divisions of Gainesville Regional Utilities: water, wastewater, and electricity. Field activities in these three divisions are subdivided into 24 different job categories. Choropleth maps of job activities, transportation costs, and the allotment of city sections among the possible sites are generated. Percentage savings in transportation cost from adding satellite hub facilities is calculated. “Satellite” is used to determine the least transportation cost location for a utility hub.