New mapboard concepts for electric operations

Abstract

Functional requirements and individual preferences from an operations standpoint should be the only criteria dictating selection of a mapboard system. This is especially important for distribution system mapboards. Certain mapboard systems that have been available for many years such as steel pegboard and plastic mosaic tile systems have limitations regarding level of graphic detail, size of graphic elements, placement of dynamic points on the mapboard due to physical design and constraints of the graphic surface, and ease of updating. The new technology covered in this presentation has no limitation regarding graphic layout, scale, level of detail, color, format, graphic mediums, and location of LED status indicators. Geographic and schematic formats are accommodated with equal ease and effectiveness. Familiar symbols can be duplicated exactly. Existing mapboards can be overlaid with modular graphic panels to reduce cost. In some cases, graphic modules can be placed directly onto existing wall surfaces, eliminating the need for framework. This technology can utilize digital map files to an optimum degree and the image can be plotted directly onto the steel graphic modules. If digital files are not available, manually drafted maps and diagrams can be used. Updating by the owners' personnel is easy and straight forward.<>