Change Leader: How Utilities Can Improve GIS Migration by Rethinking Design Data Management
As utilities modernize their GIS platforms, one question continues to challenge even the most experienced teams: how should network design data be managed during platform migration?
Traditionally, utility infrastructure design has been managed directly within GIS platforms. While GIS and design are closely linked, design was never intended to cohabitate within GIS. With many utilities now considering a move to Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network, now is the time to rethink legacy design workflows and data-management strategies.
Decouple Design
Design isn’t just geometry; it’s a multidimensional process that requires integration with numerous enterprise systems, such as ERP, EAM and work-management platforms. GIS-centric workflows struggle to support this complexity. An alternative, more future-proof strategy, is to decouple design workflows from GIS.
Today, many utilities still store proposed design features directly in GIS databases. This legacy practice introduces inefficiencies and delays. GIS platforms are not equipped to handle critical design tasks such as engineering calculations (e.g., voltage drop, gas-pressure modeling) or storing design features. Using GIS as the design epicenter adds unnecessary complexity and increases the risk of errors, challenges that can be avoided through decoupling.
Designers relying on embedded GIS workflows often juggle multiple siloed tools to reach a final sketch, manually reconciling results and re-entering data across disconnected systems. These fragile, custom-built integrations lead to redundant work and human error, resulting in increased project timelines and costs. Segregated workflows create unnecessary strain and technical debt, complicating everything from map rendering to topology validation. Even tasks such as network tracing are hindered by bloated GIS environments.
Persistent Problems
Project tracking within GIS also presents challenges. Many utilities struggle to enforce consistent design approval workflows, instead relying on ad-hoc attributes, spreadsheets or disconnected databases, making consistency and auditing difficult.
As demand for utility services grows, prolonging project timelines due to inefficient design processes is no longer a sustainable approach. The strain on resources is especially evident during a GIS platform migration. Decoupling design from GIS and moving it to a dedicated platform not only streamlines migration but also safeguards data integrity and improves operational efficiency.
When design data are embedded in GIS, migrations become more complex. Designs, whether completed or not, often persist as orphaned data, slowing system responsiveness and increasing maintenance overhead. Scheduled system maintenance also is adversely impacted. Accumulating data prolongs indexing and data-phase cleanup routines. Some utilities report that overnight batch jobs for topology validation and error checking can take several hours longer than necessary, often interfering with daily operations.
A New Approach
Establishing a dedicated system of record for design data allows organizations to streamline migrations, improve data accuracy and maintain a leaner, more-responsive GIS. Migration risks are minimized when design data are cleaned and isolated before reintegration. It also allows utilities to test design strategies more freely. Engineers can simulate various scenarios (e.g., different routing options or construction phasing) without affecting the integrity of the GIS database.
Utilities adopting this strategy report measurable results. Editing overhead can be reduced by up to 50 percent, system responsiveness improves, and GIS continues to serve as the reliable system of record. Organizations such as LG&E/KU and Fortis Alberta have successfully implemented this model, modernizing their GIS environments while maintaining agile, dependable design operations. Others are adopting similar approaches to enhance resilience and mitigate risk during GIS modernization efforts.
With mounting pressure to modernize infrastructure while maintaining service reliability, utilities stand at a pivotal crossroads. Rethinking legacy design workflows is more critical than ever. While adopting new processes can be challenging, a decoupled approach to design and GIS empowers teams to operate more efficiently, reduce risk and better support GIS migrations. The result is a streamlined workflow that accelerates project timelines and minimizes costly errors. Moving beyond outdated methods and embracing a smarter, more-resilient design strategy is essential for utilities to meet growing demand and deliver the networks of the future.
