Geomatic Technologies completes ETSA State-wide Rural Asset Survey

21 March 2007

Adelaide, Australia – Geomatic Technologies (GT), has successfully completed, on behalf of ETSA Utilities the State-wide Rural Asset Survey. The project began in 2005 when ETSA engaged GT to conduct a pilot data capture survey of rural electricity assets. GT successfully completed the pilot and was awarded the task of extending the work to encompass a state-wide audit of South Australia's rural electricity assets. GT completed this project early November 2006. A total of 191,000 powerpoles were captured throughout 700 rural feeders.

GT was required to accurately position (± 1m) assets such as poles, conductors, service connections and transformers. Important attribute information was collected at each positioning and at times 37 attributes were collected per pole. This level of data collection allowed ETSA Utilities to build an accurate and functional GIS for management of their assets. Information previously supplied to GT by the client consisted mostly of legacy information where it was available.

GT’s team was comprised of surveyors equipped with 4WDrive vehicles, Differential GPS Satellite positioning, laser range instruments and in-car computer equipment to complete the project. Two field teams were based within rural towns for up to 4 - 8 weeks at a time. Each team would map the surrounding area using GPS and GT’s own AIMS Mapping System which was tailored to suit the project.

GT implemented a strict environmental awareness policy, including minimising vehicle movement in areas of high conservation value and regular wash down of vehicles to reduce the risk of spreading diseases and weeds through sensitive areas such as grape growing districts.

Management of environmental issues and consultation with landowners and the general public were two of the key challenges facing the project. Each field team was able to mitigate such risks, including customer complaints, bushfires, hazards, plant and animal diseases (Phytophthora, Phylloxera, OJD, Footrot, Nightshade).

GT delivered 35 blocks of data to the client, two weeks before the deadline. The project was successful due to the systems and procedures in place and the professionalism and can-do attitude of the GT staff.

About ETSA
ETSA Utilities is the electricity distribution business for the state of South Australia. The prime role of ETSA Utilities is the safe and reliable delivery of electricity from high voltage transmission network connection points to residential and business customers throughout most of the state.

Serving 758,000 customers, ETSA Utilities supports a network comprising 393 zone substations and 80,103 kilometres of powerlines valued at approximately $2.5 billion. Employing more than 1300 people, ETSA Utilities is the fifth largest distributor in the Australian National Electricity Market.

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