GIS Approach to Distribution Network of Phuentsholing Town

Electrical Supply Division (ESD) is responsible for the distribution of power supply safely and efficiently from the low voltage substation to consumer end points. However, with the growth in population density and the demand for energy the electric distribution system has become more complex and congested. It has become difficult for the linemen to locate the fault with the traditional method of running from one feeder pole to another without having any proper route map or planned network. Nonetheless, with the advent of digital technology and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, all information related to distribution network and geographical aspects are zoomed on a satellite image and brought to the computer screen. This paper presents GIS approach of mapping the power distribution network of Phuentsholing town. Using Arc GIS tool, the based map is geo-referenced and digitized. With the help of GPS Machine, the geo-coordinates of substations, feeder pillars and mini-feeder pillars are taken and imported into GIS software. The other aspects surrounding electrical points are segregated into spatial and non-spatial data. The database is stored in layers, each layer is assigned with unique identity to interpret and to distinguish different features. The digitized distribution network would be informative in effective management of network, quick restoration of power lines and finding the new route maps for network expansions.