FME Spatial Data Manipulation – Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann (Irish Water)
https://www.water.ie/
GIS and Data Analytics, Government and Community, Software and Mobile App Development

As part of their on-going Mobile Improvement Programme, Uisce Éireann faced the challenge of efficiently distributing complex network mapping to mobile users in remote areas.

A solution comprising the creation of ESRI Mobile Map Packages (MMPKs) to deliver synchronised spatial data for their mobile applications was conceived.

The Compass Informatics utilities GIS team implemented an FME data transformation workflow which streamlined the MMPK creation process, to manipulate, integrate and render the Uisce Éireann GIS network data.

The new customised and automated FME workflow has improved accessibility, reduced errors, and optimised scalability, allowing Uisce Éireann to deliver high-quality MMPKs for mobile applications.

About Uisce Éireann

Uisce Éireann, formerly Irish Water, is the semi-state company dedicated to providing water and wastewater services in Ireland.

Established in 2014, Uisce Éireann plays a vital role in managing water resources, managing the national water distribution network, and treating wastewater. 

With a strong focus on sustainability, the company actively engages in national infrastructure development, customer support, and environmental stewardship.

The Company’s mission is to provide high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services to the people of Ireland.

Uisce Éireann

Project Requirements

Uisce Éireann utilise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) across their organisation to efficiently manage and analyse spatial data related to their water and wastewater infrastructure.

By leveraging GIS technology, the company optimises asset management, identifies leakage areas, manages maintenance workflows, and enhances emergency response capabilities. 

To ensure that multiple spatial layers from the Uisce Éireann environment are available on the mobile application, data synchronisation is essential.

Their established method of updating and syncing datasets was time-consuming, taking approximately two weeks to complete.

After evaluating alternatives, Uisce Éireann opted for the creation of ESRI Mobile Map Package (MMPK) files as the preferred method for mobile app data synchronisation. 

Mobile Map Package (MMPK) is a file format used in Esri’s ArcGIS platform to store and distribute maps, thematic layers, and related data for use on mobile devices.

It represents a compressed map package containing all of the necessary components for displaying and interacting with maps offline on mobile devices, including layers, base maps, symbology, labelling, and attribute data.

Compass’ Solution – Mobile Map Package (MMPK)

Uisce Éireann identified almost 100 spatial datasets which required for regular exported to Mobile Map Package (MMPK) files.

The Compass Informatics GIS team proposed a solution utilising Safe Software’s FME (Feature Manipulation Engine) suite to facilitate this requirement in a reliable and repeatable manner.

FME is a robust and flexible GIS data integration and transformation platform which allows seamless integration of spatial data from various sources, formats, and systems, enabling efficient data conversion, validation, and automation.

The toolkit provides advanced spatial manipulation capabilities, data quality assurance, and facilitates data publishing and sharing in all conceivable GIS formats.

FME empowers organisations to streamline and automate GIS data transformation workflows, improve data quality, and greatly increase data interoperability.

The Compass team implemented an FME data transformation workflow which streamlined and automated the MMPK creation process. 

The workflow utilised FME transformers to extract, transform, and filter the necessary GIS data layers, performing spatial operations, attribute manipulation, and coordinate system adjustments as needed.

Solution Benefit

Implementing an FME workflow for MMPK creation brings several benefits to Uisce Éireann:

  • Efficiency – Streamlines the MMPK creation process, saving time and effort.
  • Data Quality – Ensures accurate and reliable data in the MMPK files, reducing errors.
  • Integration – Seamlessly incorporates diverse GIS data sources and formats into MMPKs.
  • Flexibility – Customisable to meet specific data and application requirements.
  • Scalability – Handles large datasets efficiently, supporting future growth.
  • Standardisation – Delivered MMPKs that adhere to Uisce Éireann standards.
  • Maintenance – Provides a structured process for updates and modifications, ensuring efficiency over time.

The FME workflow implemented by Compass has optimised MMPK creation, improved data quality, integration, scalability, and maintenance for Irish Water.

Solutions Snapshot

High-level overview of the Mobile Improvement Programme MMPK workflow.

 

MMPK FME Automation for Irish Water

 

About Compass

Compass Informatics is an Irish company providing location technologies and data analytics solutions which enable government and commercial organisations to deliver more efficient operations, protect their assets and meet regulatory requirements.   

Compass Informatics’ services include GIS & Data Analytics, IT Systems Development and Location Technologies and the company has won awards for their innovative solutions and focus on sustainability.

Compass leverages the latest technologies to achieve full-service project delivery including; Big Data Analytics, AI, Cloud, Mobile, GIS and Satellite-based Earth Observation amongst others. 

Compass Informatics  are part of Tracsis Plc.

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To learn more about this project, and how the solution provided may benefit your organisation, please contact our government solutions team at info@compassinformatics.com.