Overview
This lecture covers common water utility network topology errors in ArcGIS Pro, explains their causes, and details practical solutions for resolving and preventing such errors.
Common Topology Errors in Water Networks
- Topology validation may produce errors like junction-edge, ambiguous connectivity, edge-edge, stacked points, invalid terminal connections, and midspan terminal device errors.
- Understanding what caused the error, how to fix it, and how to prevent it is crucial for proper network management.
Junction-Edge Errors
- Occur when asset types (like system valves vs. service valves) are misclassified, violating network rules.
- Fix errors by assigning correct asset group and type or adding required connection rules for new features.
- Update subnetwork definitions when new asset types are added to the model.
Ambiguous Connectivity
- Happens when a line connects to a device with multiple valid terminals but the specific terminal is not defined.
- Use the Modify Terminal Connections tool to assign the correct terminal.
- Remove unnecessary rules if connection ambiguity is not needed.
- Move features to resolve spatially stacked configurations causing ambiguous connections.
Edge-Edge Errors
- Caused by connecting two lines of different asset types without a proper device or junction.
- Place a fitting or junction at line intersections to resolve.
- Ensure asset types match or merge lines when appropriate.
- Move misaligned lines to prevent direct, invalid connections.
Stacked Points
- Result from multiple point features (e.g., meters) occupying the same location.
- Delete duplicate features or move them to connect correctly to their respective services.
Invalid Terminal Connections
- Occur when devices or connections reference non-existent or outdated terminals (often after device edits).
- Use the Modify Terminal Connections pane to reset or assign valid terminals.
Midspan Terminal Device Errors
- Placing a multi-terminal device midspan on a line causes this error.
- Fix by splitting the line at the device’s location and reassociating terminals.
- Move devices to the correct spatial location if needed.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Topology Error — A data integrity issue in a utility network indicating rules have been broken.
- Junction-Edge Error — A violation where a point feature (junction) and a line feature (edge) are incorrectly connected.
- Ambiguous Connectivity — Multiple possible valid connections exist, but the specific connection is not defined.
- Edge-Edge Error — Two line features of different types are connected without a proper intermediary.
- Stacked Points — Multiple point features located at the same spot, often causing confusion in connections.
- Terminal — Specific connection points on a device where lines attach in a network.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and familiarize yourself with ArcGIS Pro error management documentation.
- Practice hands-on tutorials on fixing topology and connectivity errors.
- Verify and correct asset types and network rules in your data.
- Use field checks as needed to confirm ambiguous or unclear configurations.