Geographical Information System:

Data Synchronization from GIS to ETAP

ONR Program Code 33, Energy Systems Technology Evaluation Program (ESTEP)

At a Glance
What is it?
A Geographic Information System
(GIS) allows users to visualize,
analyze and interpret spatial data
in order to better understand
relationships, patterns, and trends.
ETAPs GIS module allows for
electrical system data to be
synchronized from GIS into ETAP,
maintaining the relationship
between them.

How does it work?

Comparable to how a relational
database containing text or
numbers can relate many different
tables using common key index
variables, GIS can relate
otherwise unrelated information by
using geolocation as the key index
variable.

What will it accomplish?

GIS data represents real objects
(such as buildings, roads, trees,
etc.) with digital data as either
discrete objects (e.g., a building)
or continuous fields (such as
weather or elevations). Proper
implementation and use of GIS
data can lead to cost savings from
greater efficiency, improved
communication, as well as better
decision making and record
keeping.

Point of Contact:
Eric Evans
SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific
(619) 553-2808
eric.evans@navy.mil

October 2015

The primary objective of this project

is to assess and implement a
Geographic Information System (GIS)
representation of an Electrical Transient
and Analysis Program (ETAP)
virtual smart grid model, providing a
spatial element to the prediction
and visualization of electrical
network responses. This project
will primarily focus on using
ETAPs GIS module and ESRIs
ArcGIS software to link spatial and
table view databases so that information
can be shared bidirectionally to maintain accuracy and reduce data-entry
costs. Linking the ETAP and GIS databases will allow users to conduct
technical ETAP analyses (such as power flow, short circuit, protective
device coordination, circuit variations and equipment modifications) in a
spatial GIS map view environment that can consider additional factors
(such as weather, elevation, surrounding vegetation and land usage).
Proper implementation and use of GIS data can lead to cost savings from
greater efficiency, improved communication, as well as better decision
making and record keeping.
Key technical components of the project include:
Implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS)
representation of the virtual smart grid providing a spatial element to
the prediction and visualization of system responses.
Gaining working knowledge and technical proficiency of ESRIs suite
of GIS tools.
Analyzing and comparing the utility and capabilities of ETAPs GIS
module (purchased at an additional cost) with ESRIs GIS tools (such
as ArcCatalog, ArcView, etc.).
Determining the best way(s) to link ETAP database to geospatial
databases so that they can share information bidirectionally.
Exercising the system to create a range of scenarios with planned or
predicted actions (sources, distribution, loads) that are designed to
achieve energy manager goals (e.g., net-zero compliance).
Demonstrating the utility of having relevant and accurate data, such as
electrical circuit data, available in a geospatial environment.
This effort, founded on Office of Naval Researchs (ONR) specific ESTEP
principles, included participation from San Diego State Universitys
Troops to Engineers program for military veterans and a workforce
development component focused on training of energy scientists,
engineers, and facilities personnel of the future.

Research Challenges and Opportunities:

Presidential Executive Order (EO) 13514 on net-zero buildings requires that all new
buildings from 2020 onward achieve net-zero energy status by 2030. EO 13514 will
be a major challenge for the Marine Corps; achieving net-zero compliance includes a
balance of minimizing energy demand through conservation and efficiency while
producing energy from renewable resources on site.