GIS in Energy and Utilities

The past fifty years have been a fascinating period of ubiquitous evolution. Our population has exploded and centralized resulting in massive urban construction and giant multiservice utilities. We have experienced tremendous growth in the transportation industry with vehicle and plane travel becoming a day-to-day norm. Computer and mobile technology industries appeared and now dominate the Western lifestyle. Underpinning each form of our evolution is energy. Fervent growth places significant pressure on the energy system. We look for energy in more remote areas, and we produce it in harsh and sensitive locations as we work to maintain aging transmission systems. To be successful in our efforts, we need to think differently, use innovative technologies and implement them effectively. One of the leaders in the technology field is GIS. This chapter will discribe how energy organizations employ GIS technology to overcome the critical business problems of today and ensure reliable energy for the future.