Vodafone Maximises the Value of Maps with NetGIS

23 February, 2004 - Vodafone customers in Ireland are getting a faster response to enquiries on network coverage and other issues, thanks to a customised geographical and spatial information system based on Autodesk MapGuide.   The solution, which is used extensively by Vodafone personnel such as call centre agents, property managers, engineers and planners, is particularly adding value as the telecoms giant rolls out its 3G network in the country.

NetGIS, developed by Proteus Solutions Ltd, is an easy-to-use spatial information system built on existing internal systems.  It gives Vodafone instant access via maps to the latest location-based data including radio network sites, cell coverage and customer information.  In this way it eliminates the time-consuming process of accessing multiple databases or hard copy files and interpreting traditional flat tables of data.

For example, call centre staff have real-time access to information on sites currently off-air so they can reassure customers by giving details as to when normal service will be resumed.  Also, field work is more efficient as confusion over remote place names or grid references is completely removed.  Engineers can use NetGIS to call up the latest site drawings held as AutoCAD DWG files, plus other related files such as Word documents and JPEG images. 

Because NetGIS takes advantage of Autodesk MapGuide’s open GIS standards, it provides a unified interface to legacy Oracle and SQL Server databases.  It uses the “ProSDP© for SQL Server” spatial data provider (developed by Proteus for use with Autodesk MapGuide) to maintain a spatial database of cell coverage information in open standard format in a SQL Server database.

“NetGIS has become an integral part of our operations,” says Vodafone property manager, Pat McKeown.  “What began as a relatively small project with a limited number of people, now allows the whole Vodafone group in Ireland to make best use of the extensive information held on our systems and in so doing become far more responsive to our customers.”