Geographic information system management tool for underground electrical and telecommunication networks : case of the University of Zambia.
Date
2022
Authors
Minango, Twataizya
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The university of Zambia’s electricity provides power to operate campus infrastructure such as
hostels, lecture rooms, library etc. While telecommunication utilities provide telephone, intranet
and internet services. The power and communication utilities are supplied by underground cables.
However, the current management system lacks spatial information about these cables. This due
to the fact that the current system is based on out dated maps and drawings that lack locational
data. This problem has resulted in the cutting of these utility cables during day to day construction
of new infrastructure within campus. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a spatial
model for managing the underground electrical and telecommunication networks at the University
of Zambia using Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). To achieve this the first objective was
to map the electrical and telecommunication networks and was addressed by using GPS. The
second objective was to design a centralized desktop based GIS system for the mapped electrical
and telecommunication networks. This objective was addressed by creating a spatial database
using PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension to digitally store the mapped networks. QGIS software
was used to develop the GIS model. The third objective was to develop prototypes based on web
and mobile based GIS technology. This was addressed by developing a web-based GIS application
using Leaflet Java Script library. The proposed management system will provide digital storage of
spatial information which would allow for easy access, querying and analysis of spatial data as
well as provide easy way of updating new data into the system. This study proposed the
development of the underground electrical and telecommunication utility management system
using GIS technology. The underground cables were mapped and stored digitally. The desktopGIS
and WebGIS management systems were also developed. The mobileGIS application was
developed for field work purposes. The developed system provided tools that could help in
decision making concerning modifications and updates in future. This study proposed the
development of the underground electrical and telecommunication utility management system
using GIS technology. The underground cables were mapped and stored digitally. The Desktop,
Web and Mobile based GIS management system prototypes were also developed.
Keywords: Electrical, Telecommunication, QGIS, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, WebGIS, MobileGIS
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Underground electric lines. , Electric cables. , Power supply cables.