Author(s)

G. L. Tan

Abstract

This paper attempts to look at the practical implementation of a geographical information system (GIS) for a water utility company in a developing country. The aim is to exchange ideas and provide JBMSB’s experience of actual implementation of a working GIS, starting from the choice of GIS, database structure, data capture, data integrity, and the follow up maintenance required to ensure a full working GIS that can be used as a tool for management. It is unfortunate that many GISs, after implementation, simply stop growing, with no further development or new applications being added to the system. Eventually the GIS can become a showpiece only, with an out of date database, and used by the company/department to boast \“they also possess a GIS”. Keywords: GIS, water utility company, choice of GIS, GIS a tool for management, practical implementation. 1 Introduction Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) denotes Penang Water Supply Board. The main elements of their distribution system are tabulated in Table 1. This is the most efficiently managed water authority in Malaysia. Jurukur Berjasa (M) Sdn Bhd (JBMSB) assisted PBAPP to translate their GIS data from its original ArcInfo™ GIS format into StruMap™ GIS, a specialist water GIS. By utilizing StruMap™ GIS, PBAPP was able to implement the GIS applications much quicker and is now embarking on Hydraulic Network Modelling. Being a purpose built GIS for the water industry, there are many specialised tools available within the software to help verify and correct the

Keywords

GIS, water utility company, choice of GIS, GIS a tool for management, practical implementation.