2026 SAG Award Winners

Department of Public Utilities, City of Orangeburg, SC

Project Goal

The Department of Public Utilities for the City of Orangeburg manages four utilities—electric, water, natural gas, and wastewater—across 340 square miles (880 km²). Efficient management requires accurate, accessible infrastructure data. While the utility has maintained a GIS geodatabase since 2000, access was limited to GIS technicians with desktop licenses, hindering communication and coordination across departments.
This project aims to implement a GIS solution that allows 300 users to securely access real-time utility data. It will support field crews, engineering, planning staff, and contractors by enabling digital inspections, project tracking, and managing service requests. Integrating GIS with other systems will eliminate paper-based workflows and improve operational efficiency. Ultimately, the GIS solution will enhance communication, data accessibility, and decision-making, leading to safer operations and improved service to the community
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Business Problem Solved

Data accessibility for the entire company was enhanced through a web map, allowing users to access all DPU GIS data via a browser. The map supports exporting official DPU layout maps. Utility inspections have been fully digitized, with all inspections now conducted via Survey123 and Field Maps. Management can track inspection and project progress in real-time through a dashboard. For design and construction, a staking solution was developed using Field Maps and a web map, enabling engineering teams to export official DPU maps into the Cayenta system. Electric and natural gas inspection data is collected in the field and automatically emailed using Make. A dedicated site was created for each division, centralizing all projects, data, and documentation. This site includes lists, dashboards, maps, and digital work requests. To ensure 24/7 availability, two backup GIS solutions were implemented: one running in the cloud and another providing offline maps in Field Maps, updated weekly.

Technology Implemented

The solution was originally developed using version 10.5.1 and has evolved with the ArcGIS platform, currently operating on version 11.5. It leverages multiple components of the ArcGIS ecosystem to support data management, field operations, analytics, and customer engagement.
Core technologies include ArcGIS Pro, Geometric Network (currently migrating to Utility Network), ModelBuilder, ArcGIS Enterprise, and ArcGIS Online for scalable services and systems integration. Field operations are supported through Survey123, Field Maps, and Workforce.
Modern web applications and visualization tools including Instant Apps, Dashboards, Experience Builder, and ArcGIS Sites provide intuitive data access, reporting, and user engagement. Arcade expressions are used to enhance customization and dynamic functionality.
This integrated platform delivers a flexible, scalable environment that improves operational efficiency and supports informed decision-making.

Development Team Biography

Yamira Valles-Nevarez, GISP – Business Systems Supervisor
Tarak M. Aziz – GIS Administrator
Reese Myers – GIS Analyst

Company Overview

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU), a wholly owned enterprise of the City of Orangeburg, provides reliable electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to the greater Orangeburg community. The department serves nearly 24,000 multi-utility accounts and is committed to delivering safe, dependable, and high-quality utility services to residents and businesses.
Each month, DPU handles approximately 10,000 customer service calls and welcomes nearly 6,000 in-person visits, reflecting its dedication to responsive and accessible service.

Supporting these operations is a highly skilled team that maintains DPU’s infrastructure and assets to the highest operational standards. The Maintenance Facility staff possesses extensive mechanical expertise, from rebuilding hydraulic components to servicing diesel engines, ensuring the continued reliability of the utilities that power and sustain the Orangeburg community.

Return on Investment

With mobile GIS tools such as Field Maps or Survey123, staff can collect and update data directly from the field. Eliminate duplicate data entry and reduce return trips to sites.
GIS helps utilities track the location, condition, and maintenance history of infrastructure such as water lines, valves, transformers, and meters.
Customer service representatives can use GIS to instantly view service areas, outages, or infrastructure near a customer address.
Dashboards and spatial analysis allow managers to visualize infrastructure performance, maintenance trends, and service demand.
Development of automated reports to streamline regulatory and operational reporting for FEMA, DHEC, and internal division supervisors.