WebGIS Tools Move Vallejo toward CMOM Compliance

Custom WebGIS tools allow integration of the maintenance management system (MMS), engineering drawings and geographical information system (GIS) at the Vallejo Sanitation and Flood Control District. The WebGIS tools allow all staff (including O&M, engineering, and management) to access the District's databases and maps of its sanitary sewer system through ordinary Web browsers (Figure 1). Ultimately, the WebGIS tools may be available to the public through the Internet and a kiosk located at the District's headquarters. In addition, the structures of the WebGIS tools have flexibility to integrate with other databases and maps used by the District and the City such as billing databases and potable water and storm drain system maps.WebGIS developers worked with the District to understand its “business” processes before development started (Figure 2). By integrating the existing processes, the custom WebGIS tools compliment existing practices without creating new work. The MMS is still run by the O&M staff, and the engineering department maintains records of improvements to the system. Now, however, the O&M and engineering staffs are working from a shared source of information that allows each of them to perform their functions more efficiently.The WebGIS tools also help the District comply with portions of the proposed CMOM requirements now. The tools provide maps and asset/condition databases required by CMOM. The GIS maps and databases can also be easily integrated into a hydraulic model of the District's system. Engineering staff can graphically identify areas subject to SSOs, frequent maintenance, and/or odor complaints so capital planning can be targeted to achieve superior results.