• Client:
  Durban Water & Waste
• Appointment:
  1996 - 1997
• Scope of Work:
  Data Conversion of sewer pipeline infrastructure and loading data to client's GIS.
• Cost of Project:
  R3.2m

Durban Water and Waste implemented an ArcInfo GIS system in 1993. The rapid growth in the geographical area of responsibility outstripped the Department's ability to effectively manage its assets.

The objectives of this project were to:

1. Re-evaluate the database design and amend if necessary to fit in with user requirements.
2. Conduct an audit of As-Built plans kept in the various Waste Water Departments.
3. Collect and convert all As-Built plans to GIS format.
4. Fill any gaps using GPS survey methods to fix x,y & z co-ordinates of pipeline devices and record attribute data by observation and field measurement.
5. Integrate spatial data (As-Built plan and ground survey data) and load to ArcInfo system.
6. Develop user applications that allow users instant access (less than two seconds) to any pipeline or address information within Durban Metro.

The entire contract was completed in a record time of thirteen months. Several problems were overcome, including the resolving of a unique numbering system for all pipeline assets. The database design allowed for several alias pipeline names to cater for divisional naming preferences.

Data maintenance procedures ensure that authorised users maintained the database according to strict design rules. The system spatially flags areas of the database where tolerance limits are exceeded.

KEY RESULTS
Durban Water and Waste now have a complete record of their entire sewer network. Maintenance procedures that are in place ensure that the database is kept current. This system has lead to significant internal benefits that have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Durban Water and Waste.