A GIS (geographic information system) layer shows a specific geographic feature in an area. It's like a legend item on a paper map. For example, roads, national parks, political boundaries and rivers might all be considered different layers.

How are GIS layers integrated with Smartrak?

GIS Layers can be loaded into Smartrak's mapping platform and can be turned on or off for viewing. The layers provide additional information that sits on top of the Smartrak base map.

What value can be derived from integrating GIS layers with Smartrak?

The ability to combine core visual (geospatial) information that is unique to your organisation with Smartrak allows immense benefits for workflow efficiency, better decision making, improved communication, and health and safety outcomes for staff.

Better decision making for job dispatch/allocation

When mobile assets are allocated to jobs in the field, visual displays of where mobile assets are in relation to fixed assets helps organisations make better decisions.

An example is Network Waitaki fixing a power transformer. The GIS layer displays the location of all power transformers on the network. A search in Smartrak easily locates the site of the faulty transformer and the operations manager or job dispatcher can identify the closest linesman and dispatch them to the job. Having field staff skills loaded into Smartrak and visible also helps dispatchers align skills to the particular requirements. This has obvious benefits for cost savings and work efficiency.

Loading asset data into a GIS layer limits the need for job dispatchers to have local knowledge of the area as they can rely on the GIS layer to identify where workers are and use onboard GPS to route them directly to the asset or resource.

Improved job management

Communication becomes faster and more effective when all elements are on a visual platform that multiple stakeholders can view. GIS layers provide an effective way to discuss and plan job allocation, view job progress and make decisions around the number of resources that are allocated to a particular job.

An effective health and safety tool

Enabling asset information to be readily at hand allows operations managers to quickly identify potential hazards and risks to health and safety. Hazardous areas can be zoned so they are easily identifiable. A visual representation of these hazards is an effective way to communicate them to field staff and foresee and mitigate potential accidents.

GIS layers integrated with geofences also allow the monitoring of mobile assets when they enter or exit hazardous areas, providing proactive alerts and notifications.

If you want to know more about how GIS integration can add value for your organisation, contact Smartrak today.