Automated Mapping/Facilities Management/

Geographic Information Systems (AM/FM/GIS)

Developing a desktop AM/FM/GIS system is a daunting task for those not accustomed to working with GIS software.  USG^SM can work with you to make the appropriate software selections, acquire the proper geographic data, create digital data where none exists, and train your company in the proper use of an AM/FM/GIS system. USG^SM has been providing mapping services since 1993 to cooperatives and municipals in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We can assist you in all phases of your AM/FM/GIS effort, from the initial planning stage all the way to the enterprise-wide implementation of AM/FM/GIS.

  Mapping Services                                               Electric Utility Solutions with GIS

• Needs Assessment

• GIS Consulting/Project Management                       

• Full Conversion

• Core Software Technical Support

• Custom GIS Applications

• Mapping System Updates

• Map Book Development and Printing

• Large Format Printing

• Systems Integration

• Customized Training

• Internet/Intranet Mapping Systems

• Field Mapping Solutions

Needs Assessment               

Typically before any AM/FM/GIS project can begin, a needs assessment/requirements study should be done to determine the scope and requirements that users will have for an AM/FM/GIS system. USG^SM can provide you with a comprehensive plan tailored to take you from where you are now to where you want to be.

Consulting/Project Management

USG^SM can help you design your GIS systems and databases to help you plan for successful implementation of GIS technologies in your business.

Complete Conversion

USG^SM has several years of experience in this area, and has developed several conversion tools to make this process more efficient, in turn, lowering the cost to its clients. We provide conversion from paper or digital records and will contact state and local government in your area to find the best available data to begin your GIS project.

Core Software Technical Support

USG^SM has the ability to provide technical support for core GIS products. They are ESRI’s ArcGIS™ Products, AutoDesk’s AutoCAD^® Map and Enghouse Systems Limited CableCAD^®.

Custom GIS Applications

USG^SM has the ability to develop custom AM/FM/GIS solutions to suit the customer’s needs. The GIS Staff and Programming Staff work together as a team to provide a comprehensive set of tools that make creating and maintaining AM/FM/GIS data easier.

Mapping System Updates

USG^SM can perform map updates to your AM/FM/GIS system either in house or if you prefer onsite. This process can be done annually or at scheduled times throughout the year.

Map Book Development and Printing

USG^SM can develop a detailed map book to the client’s specification. Teamed with Great River Printing, USG^SM can handle large volume printing projects such as map books. Map books can either be black and white or full color. Map book pages can also be saved to Adobe^® PDF format. This is very useful in the proofing process and also allows for the production of a CD map book.

Large Format Printing

USG^SM can provide large format full color printing services from 8½ x 11 to 42" x 50 yards which enables USG^SM to provide a variety of large format products such as wall maps depicting the entire system, references maps to be folded and included in map books, and other large format products requested by our clients.

Systems Integration

USG^SM can assist you with the integrations of many of the systems it takes to operate your utility. Teamed with the Programming Staff of USG^SM , we can integrate systems such as Billing, Outage Management, Trouble Call, GIS, Distribution Analysis, AMR systems, SCADA, and Work Order Management Systems.

Customized Training

USG^SM can provide training on the use of the AM/FM/GIS software to the personal specifications of the customer. Our training will provide the user with the knowledge to effectively utilize the full power of a functional GIS system.

Internet/Intranet Mapping

Through the use of ESRI’s ArcIMS® technology, USG^SM can provide web-based mapping solutions to its clients.  We can house your site on our server or come and set up a site on your server. Whether is over the world wide web through an Internet solution or on your local area network as an Intranet solution, USG^SM has the expertise to provide you with a secure efficient web-based mapping solution.

Field Mapping Solutions

USG^SM has some excellent field mapping solutions for our clients. We have developed a distribution line design/staking application, ADELINE, which is built on ESRI’s ArcPad™ technology and also uses the new disconnected editing features of ArcGIS™ 8.3. Through the use of ESRI’s ArcReader™, USG^SM can help you take actual GIS data into the field. If no database information is required in the field, USG^SM can produce a CD map book, which is an integrated compellation of Adobe PDF documents with built in links for navigation inside the CD map book.