Portrait
LADWP’s GIS Teams: Masters of Data Management
By Albert Rodriguez
You may have heard the acronym "GIS" used in relation to various construction or information technology projects. But what exactly is GIS and who at the Department is responsible for this important component of LADWP’s daily operations? GIS stands for Geographic Information System, and it is the modern solution to error-prone, complex paper maps.
GIS collects records, facts and figures in order to create layered digital maps with real-time data. These layers can display vital information on the location and status of infrastructure, resources, and even how our customers interact with our services. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power,” and the capabilities provided by GIS allows LADWP to allocate resources, manage assets, and assess various factors related to operations in a much more efficient way.
“GIS helps us manage and analyze geographic information and shows us how various Department assets relate to one another, allowing us to make quick and informed decisions for the benefit of our customers and the water and power infrastructure that supports the city. For example, it can help us find an ideal location to construct an EV charging hub, or help lay down earthquake resistant water pipe in the most strategic locations.”
Justin Sarris, Assistant Director of Information Systems
LADWP’s GIS teams are comprised of Enterprise GIS, Water GIS, and Power GIS; each performing a vital function critical to the success of Department projects, initiatives and employee productivity and efficiency.
Enterprise GIS Team
While not associated with the science fiction ship of similar name, Enterprise GIS uses technology to help LADWP explore new possibilities through the adoption of new technologies. Led by Yousun Chung, Information Systems Manager I, the Enterprise GIS team is dedicated to delivering reliable and accurate geospatial data (information related to a particular area) and innovative GIS solutions. They support enterprise-wide LADWP operations and decision-making processes to drive the advancement of GIS technology within the Department.
The team's core duties include geospatial data management, GIS solutions development, stakeholder collaboration and customer support. Their work encompasses some of the more recent, headline grabbing Department initiatives including analysis for our EV charger maps and E-Hubs. This work enhances the visibility of Department EV infrastructure in order to facilitating the adoption of EV’s in the community.
The Fair Share Power Line Program is a relatively new initiative that reduces construction costs for customers looking to install line extensions. This program passes on costs to all customers who will be using the newly installed service, and helps support future expansion of Department infrastructure. Enterprise GIS created a tool that helps track and manage costs for existing customers, future customers, and LADWP.
Enterprise GIS also recently worked on the “hoteling” space reservation system that enables the reservation of desks, conference rooms, and workspaces for the recently completed Work Hub at JFB. This hoteling system offers a comprehensive view of the office environment through interactive maps.
The group is also involved in the management of information for vacant LADWP properties by providing a centralized system to support Real Estate Property Management. Properties uses include leased land for nurseries, vehicle parking and construction staging. This property information system allows staff, customers, and outside agencies to find the information quickly and easily through intuitive mobile applications and improved data visualization for better business decisions. Other tools provide real-time information on the status of encroachments. Field crews who regularly perform inspections can also now use a GIS mobile application to quickly collect inspection information as well as informative dashboards created for metrics and analysis.
Upcoming Projects
Enterprise GIS is currently developing a tool to help the Office of Emergency Management deal with potential incidents by identifying gaps in resources. They are also currently exploring the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies into GIS processes to further enhance data analysis and decision-making capabilities. For more information on how your group or division can benefit from the wonders of GIS, please reach out to enterprisegis@ladwp.com.
Water GIS Team
The Water GIS Group is led by Greg Ammon, Supervisor of Maps and Records, and is dedicated to maintaining and safeguarding the geospatial records of the Water System. Unlike the broader scope of Enterprise GIS, which serves various divisions and applications across LADWP, WaterGIS focuses specifically on the Water System, ensuring that all spatial data related to water infrastructure is accurate, reliable, and up to date. The Water GIS Group is the official custodian of the Water System's geospatial record, which is the location of every piece of water infrastructure, from underground pipes deep beneath city streets to facilities out in the Mojave desert. This includes documenting every aspect of the water distribution system, including pipes, valves, tanks, and other infrastructure components.
They are also responsible for producing the Water System's primary maps, such as the Water Service Maps (WSM) and the System Supply Map, both of which are essential tools for operations and maintenance. The Water GIS Group plays a critical role in emergency response, providing dynamic and static maps to support situational awareness, planning, and operational decision-making. The team creates and maintains essential maps and data layers that help emergency responders navigate and address incidents effectively.
“Without these essential maps, our crews would be hard pressed to respond to an emergency or a simple service repair. The work of Water GIS ensures that we know where everything is so we can get to it quickly and efficiently, and provide that timely and reliable service to our customers. With hundreds of year's worth of infrastructure layered all across the city, GIS is as revolutionary to the utility industry as the Computed Tomography (CT) scan was to medicine!”
Greg Ammon, Supervisor of Maps and Records
Water GIS regularly updates the main database in order to reflect the latest changes so that it remains accurate, and they also oversee the content of the Water System's web and mobile applications used across the Department. In addition to their core responsibilities, the group manages the issuance of gate valve numbers and facility ID numbers, prepares custom maps and graphics, assists with research of historical records, and helps with the acquisition, generation, maintenance, and organization of GIS data. They also handle special requests for custom GIS analysis and reporting, fulfilling the needs of both internal and external stakeholders.
The Water GIS Group stands as the authoritative source for all geospatial information related to the Water System. For inquiries or services, contact WaterGIS@ladwp.com.
Power GIS Team
The Power GIS Group is led by Jesus Avina, Supervisor of Power GIS Maps and Records; Julio Becerra, Principal for Electrical Drafting; and Chad Crouchman, Supervisor of Power Cad Support via three distinct groups, and serves as the keeper of record for all LADWP power infrastructure for both the L.A. basin and the Owens Valley areas.
“Technological advancements provide accurate data that is critical to the safety of our crews and the public. The on-premises ArcGIS Portal, web maps and dashboards are utilized by supervisors and managers at all levels. They are also available to the public with certain restrictions via public meetings, browsing Navigate LA or LADWP’s website. As a utility we have to find that delicate balance between transparency and cybersecurity as we harness the power of GIS while keeping Department data safe.”
April Kaloumaira, Chief of Power Drafting Operations
Power GIS Groups and Responsibilities
Power GIS Maps & Records (PGMR) oversees the information covering distribution and sub-transmission systems. This information has historically been found on primary circuit maps, hi-line maps, and patrol maps, which are still being updated to match the GIS data. PGMR is also responsible for creating exhibit wall maps, interactive web maps, and dashboards for internal customers, using the most current and accurate GIS data as a starting point.
Electrical Drafting oversees the data for facilities within the Power System, tracking updates being completed in the field via fully modeled stations. They add or remove these stations as they are energized or de-energized. This provides the most up-to-date and accurate picture of the status of Power facilities.
Power CAD Support takes care of the Computer-aided design (CAD) software implementation and customization of support tools as well as oversees and supports the production of Geographic Information System maps, and works hand-in-hand with our Enterprise GIS team to ensure that users are working at optimum efficiency. They also ensure that customers are receiving the information they need for their projects. This group encompasses the technical skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for drafting standards and processes.
Upcoming Projects
Power GIS plans to continue working with the data added to the GIS model in order to provide more in-depth analysis and planning for the Power System’s Outage Management system. They also plan to expand the use of Web Applications to translate information for both Engineering and Operations.
For inquiries and services from the Power GIS Group, please reach out to PowerGISMapsAndRecords@ladwp.com, PowerCADSupport@LADWP.com, or ElectricalDrafting@LADWP.com
Careers
There are many lucrative and promising careers within GIS. Anyone of them is sure to catch the interest of natural problem solvers, data analyzers or people who are fascinated by how things are interrelated. Career paths include Civil Drafting Technician, Electrical Drafting Technician, and many others. Fields of study can include drafting, computer science, geography, or cartography as well as a background in science, mathematics, social studies, and computer science. For upcoming GIS opportunities, be sure to visit JoinLADWP.com
