Press Release

H₂O Networks selects Cadcorp SIS software to map its fibre networks through the UK sewer system

Software enables planning and visualisation of the best cable route within the UK’s existing sewerage network

Digital mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software developer Cadcorp has announced that fibre optics firm H₂O Networks, part of the i3 Group, has selected Cadcorp SIS – Spatial Information System software to help it plan and map the national roll-out of its fibre optic communications network which utilizes the sewer system.

Cadcorp has supplied and assisted in the implementation of a number of licences of SIS Map Editor to provide advanced GIS functionality, including CAD-like geometry construction and editing, topology and links to relational database management systems; SIS Map Modeller, which adds 3D modelling, grid analysis, terrain modelling and image draping capabilities; and mSIS, the company’s mobile GIS product for field-based data capture and editing.

By using the 360,000 miles of the UK’s waste water system to deploy its fibre optic networks, H₂O Networks significantly reduces the cost and impact on the environment and traffic flows as it avoids the need to dig up roads and other infrastructure for installation.

Rather than using traditional routing tools, the company is using Cadcorp SIS to digitise the location of its existing network and to find the best route for new cables by visualising the sewer network, including where chambers and splice points are located. Using Cadcorp SIS, sewerage network data provided by the appropriate water companies is mapped onto OS MasterMap® data to provide a visual tool for network planning.

Cadcorp’s mobile GIS, mSIS, will be used by the company in conjunction with GPS when its engineers are out on site in order to edit collected data to ensure that it matches the real-world location of network assets.

“Using Cadcorp SIS to keep track of our existing broadband communications network and to plan extensions to it not only saves time but helps to make sure that network assets are correctly located, both in terms of the existing sewer system itself and its geographical location”, said John Shrieves, senior GIS engineer, H₂O Networks. “This all helps to reduce planning costs, which ultimately benefits our customers”.

“We are delighted that H₂O Networks has selected Cadcorp SIS to help it plan and record its expanding fibre optic footprint,” said Mike O’Neil, managing director, Cadcorp. “We look forward to continuing to work with the company to help it make the most of its investment.”

About i3 Group (formerly H₂O Networks)
Formed in 2002, i3 Group (formerly H₂O Networks Group) is a pioneer of deploying dark fibre in the UK’s waste water network to enable connectivity. Its patented FS System is a fast and cost-effective way to lay fibre optic cable and link up any location without the high costs and disruption caused by traditional cabling methods.

i3 Group comprises: Fibrecity Holdings, H₂O Networks, H₂O International, Innovation Centre and World Wide Distribution Centre.

Fibrecity provides connectivity to entire towns and cities. It delivers a fibre optic network capable of delivering next generation services, including broadband of up to 100 Mbps, to every business, organisation and citizen in the vicinity.

H₂O Networks provides business networks using Darc (Deristricted Access Route Connections), a fibre solution that allows businesses and organisations to realise their full potential, while preserving the environment in which they operate.

H₂O International is working with trusted partners to make the reality of super fast communications accessible to areas that have limited or no connectivity as well as those that require next generation access.

For further information, visit: www.h2o-networks.uk.net or www.fibrecity.eu

About Cadcorp
Established in 1991, Cadcorp is a leading UK developer and supplier of digital mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) software, applications and associated services. With offices in the UK and the USA, Cadcorp's distribution and value-added reseller (VAR) network stretches worldwide. The company also plays a pivotal technical role in the Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc.® (OGC)®. The Cadcorp SIS - Spatial Information System product family is fully integrated digital mapping and GIS software that uses OGC certified compliant interfaces. Cadcorp technical director Martin Daly is an OGC Gardels Medal holder for his contribution to the OGC, and was one of the original members of the OGC Architecture Board. Cadcorp is an ISO9001:2000 and ISO/IEC 27001:2005 certified company, an Ordnance Survey Developer Partner and Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland Licensed Partner. Cadcorp SIS applications exist in local government, central government, emergency services, insurance, oil & natural gas, mapping and surveying, commerce, utilities and many other markets.

Editors:
For further information contact:
Julia Smith, Tel: +44 (0)1438 747996, e-mail: julia.smith@cadcorp.com or
Neil McLeod, Tel: +44 (0)1666 504293, e-mail: neilmcleod@btopenworld.com

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