Application of geographic information system to distribution information support

This paper states a distribution network information support system (DISS). The system provides an environment for building a distribution database which includes both graphic and alphanumeric data. The database can be used for inventory, facility management, engineering analysis, and map production. Facility data or network models can be retrieved from the database. The retrieved data can then be used by application programs. With a good man-machine interface (MMI), graphic output or text reports can be viewed from the graphic screen online. A good DISS could also produce a practical result for strategic decisions by considering land use, value, zoning, as well as other physical restrictions. These physical restrictions are not easy to quantify, and are awkward to model with mathematics