Common Utility Network Elements

-- Name -- appurtenance -- Definition -- An appurtenance is a node object that is described by its type (via the attribute "appurtenanceType"). -- Description -- The "appurtenanceType" attribute uses the "AppurtenanceTypeValue" codelist for its values. But this is an empty codelist that needs to be extended by a concrete codelist of appurtenance types for each utility network type. So e.g. for the electricity network, the "ElectricityAppurtenanceTypeValue" codelist should be used.

-- Name -- tower -- Definition -- Simple tower object which may carry utility objects belonging to either single or multiple utility networks. -- Description -- Towers represent node objects that support reservoirs, cables or antennas.

-- Name -- pipe -- Definition -- A utility link or link sequence for the conveyance of solids, liquids, chemicals or gases from one location to another. A pipe can also be used as an object to encase several cables (a bundle of cables) or other (smaller) pipes.

-- Name -- cabinet -- Definition -- Simple cabinet object which may carry utility objects belonging to either single or multiple utility networks. -- Description -- Cabinets represent mountable node objects that can contain smaller utility devices and cables.

-- name -- utility Link Sequence -- description -- A linear spatial object, composed of an ordered collection of utility links, which represents a continuous path in the utility network without any branches. The element has a defined beginning and end and every position on the utility link sequence is identifiable with one single parameter.

-- Name -- manhole -- Definition -- Simple container object which may contain either single or multiple utility networks objects. -- Description -- Manholes perform following functions:

• Provide drainage for the conduit system so that freezing water does not damage the conduit or wires.
• Provide a location for bending the conduit run without damaging the wires.
• Provide a junction for conduits coming from different directions.
• Provide access to the system for maintenance.

-- Name -- utility node -- Definition -- A point spatial object which is used for connectivity. -- Description -- Nodes are found at both ends of the UtilityLink.

-- Name -- cable -- Definition -- A utility link or link sequence used to convey electricity or data from one location to another.

-- Name -- pole -- Definition -- Simple pole (mast) object which may carry utility objects belonging to either single or multiple utility networks. -- Description -- Poles represent node objects that can support utility devices and cables.

-- name -- utility Link -- definition -- A linear spatial object that describes the geometry and connectivity of a utility network between two points in the network.

-- Name -- duct -- Definition -- A utility link or link sequence used to protect and guide cable and pipes via an encasing construction. -- Description -- A Duct (or Conduit, or Duct-bank, or Wireway) is a linear object which belongs to the structural network. It is the outermost casing. A Duct may contain Pipe(s), Cable(s) or other Duct(s). Duct is a concrete feature class that contains information about the position and characteristics of ducts as seen from a manhole, vault, or a cross section of a trench and duct.

-- Name -- utility network -- Definition -- Collection of network elements that belong to a single type of utility network. -- Description -- In the real world, objects are connected to each other: an optical cable is connected to a multiplexer that in turn is connected to copper cables connecting into our homes to provide cable TV, telephony and internet access. Using GIS to support network utility management typically involves many types of features that may have connectivity to each other. Topology in GIS is generally defined as the spatial relationship between connecting or adjacent features, and is an essential prerequisite for many spatial operations such as network analysis. Utility networks can be described as NaN (Node-Arc-Node) network using two basic geometric types: points (aka nodes) and polylines (aka arcs). NaN topologies can be directed or un-directed, depending on specific type of network (i.e. water networks are directed, while telecommunications networks are not). Such topology structure provides an automated way to handle digitising and editing errors, and enable advanced spatial analyses such as adjacency, connectivity and containment. Infrastructure networks rely on Generic network model developed during Annex I. Note: Via the attribute "utilityNetworkType", that uses the "UtilityNetworkTypeValue" codelist, the type of utility network can be defined. E.g. by selecting the "sewer" value, the utility network becomes a "sewer utility network". Using the "crossTheme" value, a utility network can be created that contains e.g. ducts, which can contain pipes and cables from various utility network types.

-- Name -- utility network element -- Definition -- Abstract base type representing an utility network element in an utility network. Every element in an utility network provides some function that is of interest in the utility network. -- Description -- NOTE Derived 'views' of real-world utility objects are represented through specialisations in other application schemas; all representations of the same real-world object share a common geographic name.

-- Name -- utility node container -- Definition -- A point spatial object which is used for connectivity, and also may contain other spatial objects (not neccessarily belonging to the same utility network). -- Description -- Nodes are found at either end of the UtilityLink.

-- Name -- utility linkset -- Definition -- An abstract utility network class which groups common properties of Cable, Pipe and Duct featureTypes. -- Description -- This class also extends the LinkSet featureType, which allows Cable, Pipe and Duct classes to use either the (more complex) LinkSequence or (more simple) Link class.

-- Name -- specific appurtenance type -- Definition -- Domain-specific classification of appurtenances.

-- Name -- appurtenance type -- Definition -- Classification of appurtenances.

-- Name -- utility network type -- Definition -- Classification of utility network types.

-- Name -- utility delivery type -- Definition -- Classification of utility delivery types.

-- Name -- warning type -- Definition -- Classification of warning types.