Improve customer service. The ability to integrate spatial data with nonspatial data in commercially available databases, such as Oracle and SQL Server, by using spatial database management software has been a critical development in moving GIS into mainstream information technology. Spatial data can now be used at all levels of a company. Though converting nondigital data remains an expensive and time-consuming process, much new data can be more easily captured in digital format using handheld computers in the field, GPS units, and other complementary technologies. The Internet has also been a big factor in disseminating spatial data.
Utilities rely on maps for operational purposes.
From quick checkplots and single-sheet maps to detailed distribution and transmission facilities maps, savings can be realized by deriving these different view maps from a single integrated data source. The usability of maps can also be improved through simplification of features and user control over annotation display, making data easy to read. Raster images, sketches, and scanned maps can be imported. Map documents can be cut and pasted into other documents and saved to various formats, making sharing data much easier. Embracing Integrated Solutions With the convergence of technologies and utilization of increasingly powerful desktop applications, utilities with extensive as well as minimal GIS implementations can benefit from moving from a proprietary to an open development environment.