Map Definitions

Create facility locations and responsibility areas, then add map definitions to them to indicate their geographic location.  

Facility Locations

A facility location is the geographical location of the asset or facility you are trying to protect. Facility locations are defined when you add map definitions. If you indicate that facilities are not in use, they appear differently on the map. Facility locations can be used by the system to identify a ticket's dig site location and whether the dig site touches the buffered facility location.

Facility locations can be processed by auto processing rules (Auto Response).

Responsibility Areas

A responsibility area is the area in which a person, group of people, or an office is responsible for the work to be done in it. Responsibility areas are defined when you add map definitions (If you indicate that responsibility areas are not in use, they appear differently on the map).

Responsibility areas can be processed by auto processing rules (Auto Assignment or Auto Folder Placement). If auto processing rules are used, you can also use ticket notifications (Ticket Assigned Notifications or Ticket Put in Folder Notifications).

Add Map Definitions to Facility Locations or Responsibility Areas

After creating a facility location or responsibility area, add at least one map definition to indicate its location (You can also import shape files to make map definitions).

Shape File Requirements

  • Must be in shape file format (.shp, .dbf, .shx)
  • Files must be either a buffered or Polygon file type. Line, Polyline, or Centerline file types cannot be used (buffered polyline files can be used)
  • For buffered file types, the size of the buffer is determined by your organization, but buffers/features must be at least 10 feet. If you need a center line, at least 50 feet is recommended
  • Use NAD 83 coordinate system with latitude-longitude projection (EPSG: 4269). Only plane projections for the entire United States can be uploaded. Individual state plane projections cannot be used
  • Shape files must be smaller than 200MB
  • Error messages can be checked under System Management ( ) > Communication > System Alerts

Drawing Tools

If you do not have a GIS department or a way to create shape files, use the drawing tools to create the map definitions for the facilities and areas of responsibility.