Overview
This lecture provides a step-by-step guide to deploying the ArcGIS Utility Network for water and sewer utilities, covering environment setup, data migration, configuration, and best practices for successful implementation.
Preparing the Environment
- Clone the Python environment in ArcGIS Pro to install utility network-specific tools before starting deployment.
- Access the Python tab in your Pro project to add required packages and manage environments.
- Download the Utility Network Foundation Pro Project from ArcGIS Online for water, sewer, or stormwater utility deployment.
- Ensure you select the correct "Utility Network" solution, not the simpler Data Management solution.
Enterprise Database and Connections
- Create an enterprise geodatabase using SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or SAP platforms.
- Use the admin database connection to create and manage users, naming conventions suggested (e.g., "admin" for admin, "UN owner" for the utility network owner).
- Always use a separate "headless" or service account to own and publish the utility network, not your personal user.
Standing Up the Utility Network
- Use the UN owner connection (not admin) to create the utility network item and feature dataset in the geodatabase.
- Define a service territory polygon as the extent for the network.
- Migrate your existing data into the utility network schema using provided data loading tools or ETL tools.
- Utilize available training and example workbooks for migration reference.
Asset Package and Data Configuration
- Prepare an asset package (file geodatabase) containing schema, rules, and sample data.
- Use tools to load your migrated data into this asset package.
- Review and update attribute rules, especially if transitioning from Attribute Assistant, using Arcade scripting and shared resources.
Post-Processing & Publishing
- Register the feature dataset as branch versioned for version management and editing.
- Enable replica tracking for offline/mobile workflows if needed.
- Enable network topology to support tracing, diagrams, and error validation.
- Use update data source tools to point project maps at the new enterprise data.
Publishing Services and Maps
- Publish the utility network map as a feature layer and map image layer with correct permissions and high maximum domain count.
- Update and publish editor and data auditing maps for end-user editing and QA processes.
- Configure subnetwork controllers and run update tools to define subnetworks like pressure zones or sewer sheds.
Final Steps and Best Practices
- Reset trace location feature classes to match your data's coordinate system.
- Adjust map extents and bring in error layers to support editing and validation.
- Share your finalized Pro project package with your organization for consistent access.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Utility Network (UN) — Esri’s advanced GIS model for managing complex utility infrastructure.
- Geodatabase — A database for storing and managing spatial data.
- Branch Versioning — Modern version management in ArcGIS for multi-user editing.
- Asset Package — File containing network schema, rules, and sample data for deployment.
- Subnetwork Controller — Device or terminal defining the origin or boundary of a subnetwork (e.g., pressure zone).
- Attribute Rules — Automated logic for data integrity and workflows, often written in Arcade.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and follow tasks in the Utility Network Foundation Pro Project.
- Explore Learn ArcGIS tutorials and instructor-led courses on utility networks.
- Plan and document your user accounts and permissions before deployment.
- Test workflows using provided example data before full production rollout.