Map-based services in electricity network planning

Fingrid Oy, Finland's transmission system operator, is constantly striving to develop the planning and management of the electricity network to make it more environmentally friendly and efficient. An important partner in this work is Sitowise, who offers versatile map-based digital services as well as up-to-date geospatial datasets that are easily accessible through interfaces.

Long-term development cooperation

The map-based digital services provided by Sitowise are a key part of Fingrid's electricity grid planning process. These services are used to anticipate and plan future changes in the network efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner. This foresight not only makes planning more accurate, but also more flexible, which is vital for managing a modern power grid.

In addition to digital services, Sitowise is helping Fingrid's needs by offering environmental impact assessments, in-house zoning consultants and substation design.

The cooperation between Fingrid and Sitowise has continued for years, and its long-term nature is reflected in the greater value that point-based work alone could ever produce. Long-term development cooperation has provided an opportunity for an in-depth understanding of Fingrid's needs and operating environment, which in turn has enabled the development of even better and more functional solutions.

Practical applications and extended use

Map services are equally valuable in customer negotiations. For example, cooperation between Fingrid and the service providers operating on the grid will improve significantly when all parties have access to up-to-date map and geospatial data. This will facilitate negotiations and decision-making in the design, construction and maintenance of new transmission lines.

The system has expanded to cover not only traditional planning, but also the management of various feedback services . The intranet version called Verkkokartta has a couple of hundred users every day, and public map services offer an open channel for collecting feedback and sharing information. In addition to Fingrid's own employees, this serves contractors, electricity distribution and industrial companies, consultants, landowners and ordinary citizens who are interested in receiving information about new energy projects and the main grid. 

The network map is also used to produce the connections to the main grid required by customers. It ensures the compatibility of the main grid and customer networks. The service helps to guarantee the transmission capacity of electricity at connection points. Verkkokiikari provides customers with an open situational picture of network planning and supports the realisation of regional visions.

Mobile data collection and geospatial expertise

Mobile data collection can be used to collect valuable information about the terrain, for example with the help of air patrols when examining the frost to be dropped from power lines. The mobile app, which works on Android and iOS platforms, also allows for offline use, which is useful in field conditions where network connections are not always available.

Fingrid and Sitowise cooperate closely, which enables us to react quickly to Fingrid's needs. The team consists of both application developers and geospatial experts, and the services are based on Louhi technology. This know-how ensures that the solutions are both technically advanced and practical.

User experiences and continuous development

Thanks to several geospatial data-based services, Fingrid's planning process has become more visible, which not only makes operations more efficient, but also supports the company's principles of openness. For example, the Tilakortti application, which is currently being developed as the latest service, enables the documentation and visualisation of matters agreed with landowners on a project-by-project basis, which significantly improves communication throughout the life cycle. The development wishes received from users play an important role in the development of services, and the overall aim is above all to clarify and facilitate operations.

Prospects

Fingrid and Sitowise will continue to deepen their cooperation and develop services to better meet the needs of users and climate goals. Long-term cooperation brings synergy benefits and enables even more effective development. Easy-to-use and innovative map-based services play a key role in this continuous development to create a sustainable and efficient electricity grid in Finland.