GIS solutions for drinking water and wastewater networks

Geographic data for a drinking water and wastewater network

A GIS for water networks enables you to centralise, improve the reliability of and use geographic data for assets that are largely underground.

Dotic supports local authorities, intermunicipal associations, operators, delegated service operators and engineering consultancies in managing drinking water, wastewater and stormwater networks: asset knowledge, field operations, quality control and decision support.

This page presents the operational challenges of the water cycle, the data to structure, use cases and the role of the StaR-Eau geospatial standard.

Explore some use cases for our solutions dedicated to water networks

Geospatial data as a strategic asset for water networks 

Water utilities manage underground networks that are old and often documented across several tools. The quality of geographic data directly affects the safety of field operations, service continuity and renewal decisions.

A shared data repository facilitates collaboration between local authorities, operators, delegated service operators, engineering consultancies and service providers, while preserving network knowledge over time.

To remain reliable and usable, data follows a continuous lifecycle:

  • Collect information in the field.
  • Structure features and attributes within a shared model.
  • Check completeness, consistency and compliance.
  • Use data in a GIS or Web GIS.
  • Update the repository after every construction project or field operation.

Key operational challenges in monitoring water and wastewater networks

Field updates after construction and field operations

Networks change constantly: leak repairs, new or removed service connections, replacement of pipe sections and new construction. When these changes are not incorporated promptly, the GIS gradually becomes outdated.

Objective:

Collect changes directly in the field, check them and then incorporate them into the repository.

Reliability and asset knowledge

Inaccurate or outdated data makes assets harder to locate, compromises field operations and reduces the reliability of maintenance and renewal decisions.

Objective:

Maintain a reliable asset database to support decisions, prioritise construction work and preserve network knowledge for future handovers.

Traceability and history

Keeping a history of field operations, the assets involved, dates and changes supports service continuity, accountability and long-term network analysis.

Key geographic data for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater  

Technical and asset attributes

  • Diameter, material, pressure
  • Installation year, condition, intervention history
  • Asset references
  • Field photos and documents

Networks and assets

  • Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater pipes
  • Service connections
  • Valves, fire hydrants, air valves
  • Manholes, drainage inlets, outfalls
  • Reservoirs, stations, pumping stations

Contextual data

  • Roads, land parcels, easements
  • Other underground networks
  • Sensitive areas (water abstraction points, protection zones)

StaR-Eau: a geospatial standard providing a framework for water network data

Modelling, standardisation and domain expertise

StaR-Eau provides a common framework for describing and exchanging drinking water and wastewater network data. It specifies the features, attributes and relationships needed for understandable, reusable data.

Dotic draws on its expertise in geographic data modelling and processing to put this standard into practice in tools and operational workflows.

In practical terms, Dotic solutions enable you to:

  • Collect and update field data with ConnectField.
  • Check structure, completeness and consistency with ConnectControl.
  • Visualise, edit and use the repository in the ConnectServices Web GIS.
  • Query data in natural language with ConnectQuery when this use is relevant.

A way to improve data reliability and sharing

A repository structured according to StaR-Eau facilitates:

  • shared understanding of data between stakeholders;
  • consistent deliverables;
  • changes of service provider or tool;
  • preservation of asset knowledge over time.

The standard organises data, but does not by itself guarantee completeness or consistency: quality checks and continuous updates remain essential.

Our conviction

Without relevant GIS tools suited to operational needs, the standard remains theoretical.

With suitable tools, it becomes a real operational asset.

Explore use cases to improve the reliability and use of water network data

Drinking water and wastewater network audits

A complete solution — mobile application and Web GIS — to save time and improve reliability

Construction monitoring and operational quality control

A GIS software suite to structure your data and monitor network deployment work

Network design and data editing

Take control of your infrastructure data from network design through to operation

Planning field operations on water networks

Plan and monitor your field operations: construction, audits, maintenance, connections…

Snagging resolution for water distribution

Track construction acceptance and the resolution of outstanding items accurately

Class A as-built surveys for your water networks

Centimetre accuracy with ConnectField for your Class A as-built surveys

Data quality control and StaR-Eau compliance

Collect, assess, structure, manage and share your data on a reliable basis

Data validation during construction

Manage construction work and monitor data quality and Star-Eau compliance

A GIS software suite supporting the management of drinking water and wastewater networks

Collect

Collect and update data directly in the field with a mobile GIS application.

Use

Visualise, edit, administer and use your water network data in a shared Web GIS.

Check

Structure your data and check its quality, consistency and compliance, particularly with StaR-Eau.

Query

Query and analyse your geographic data in natural language with AI dedicated to GIS.

Would you like to improve the reliability of your GIS data for drinking water supply, wastewater or stormwater?

Put StaR-Eau into operational practice
Improve the reliability of field updates
Safeguard data quality and traceability

FAQ — GIS, Web GIS and the StaR-Eau geospatial standard for water networks

Why use a GIS to manage a drinking water supply or wastewater network?

Using a GIS for a drinking water supply or wastewater network enables you to centralise and structure knowledge of assets that are largely underground. A GIS does more than display pipes on a map: it links geography to essential technical information such as diameters, materials, installation dates, statuses, assets, service connections and intervention histories. In practice, a GIS becomes the reference tool for safer field operations, reduced uncertainty in the field, better construction planning and long-term asset management. Without a GIS, network knowledge often relies on static plans, scattered files or local practices, which weakens operations and asset handovers.

What is a Web GIS used for in a water utility?

A Web GIS provides universal, immediate access to geographic data through a simple web browser, without installing resource-intensive software on your computer. Information is shared in real time and accessible from a single server, avoiding duplicates and outdated versions. In a water utility, a Web GIS enables technical teams, operators, service providers and decision-makers to share knowledge while keeping data centralised. It facilitates access on the move, coordination of field operations and operational network management. A Web GIS is particularly relevant when the aim is to move from a GIS used for mapping to one used in everyday work. ConnectServices addresses precisely this need with a Web GIS platform designed to visualise, use and manage territorial data.

How does GIS data quality affect water network operations?

GIS data quality directly affects operations because it determines the ability to act quickly and correctly. Reliable data helps locate the valves, service connections, manholes, assets and pipe sections involved, reduces field errors and avoids wasted time during field operations. Conversely, outdated or inconsistent data creates uncertainty, increases operating costs and complicates renewal decisions. Over the long term, GIS data quality also influences service performance, particularly in tackling leaks and planning investment.

How can GIS data updates be improved after construction work on a water network?

Improving GIS data updates after construction requires clear organisation and suitable tools. Construction work and field operations are the main reason data becomes outdated, because changes are not always incorporated promptly or are incorporated without checks. The most effective approach is to capture changes as they occur, check their consistency and then approve their integration into the database. ConnectField enables structured collection and updating of information directly in the field. ConnectControl automatically checks data quality and compliance before integration. ConnectServices then distributes and enables use of the consolidated data in a Web GIS accessible to the teams.

What is the StaR-Eau geospatial standard?

StaR-Eau is a data standard intended to structure and harmonise the representation of drinking water supply and wastewater networks. It defines a common model, features, attributes and a structuring approach that produces more consistent, understandable and sustainable data. StaR-Eau facilitates exchanges between stakeholders, reuse of data over time and asset handovers when organisations or operators change. It is now a major reference framework for safeguarding water network data.

Is StaR-Eau sufficient to guarantee good data quality?

No, StaR-Eau alone is not sufficient. The standard defines what data should contain and how it should be structured, but does not guarantee that delivered data is complete, consistent or correctly populated. Topology errors, missing attributes, inconsistent naming conventions and omissions after field operations remain common without quality control. This is why a StaR-Eau approach must be combined with systematic checks. ConnectControl automatically verifies data compliance, consistency and completeness to safeguard its integration and use.

Why check the quality of GIS data for a water network?

Checking GIS data quality for a water network transforms a mapping database into a real operational and management tool. Without checks, inconsistencies gradually accumulate, making data difficult to use and sometimes unreliable. Quality control detects errors before they spread, safeguards service provider deliverables, ensures StaR-Eau compliance and maintains consistent data over time. It also provides an objective assessment of data quality through indicators and clear traceability.

How can network knowledge be preserved when the operator changes?

Loss of knowledge when an operator changes is a common risk where data is heterogeneous, poorly documented or not standardised. The best way to safeguard the handover is to maintain data that is structured according to StaR-Eau, checked, centralised and traceable. This ensures data remains understandable, usable and transferable, regardless of who is responsible. Dotic supports local authorities and operators during these sensitive transitions by safeguarding data structuring, quality control and continuity of use.

Are Dotic solutions suitable for drinking water and wastewater?

Yes, Dotic solutions are suitable for managing geographic data for drinking water and wastewater networks through a complete lifecycle approach. ConnectField enables field data collection and updates. ConnectControl provides data quality control, assessment and compliance, particularly with StaR-Eau. ConnectServices enables data visualisation, use and management through a Web GIS platform. This approach improves data reliability, keeps it up to date and puts it to use in everyday operations.

Who are Dotic solutions for in the water sector?

Dotic solutions are intended for local authorities, intermunicipal water associations, operators, delegated service operators, engineering consultancies and service providers that want to improve the reliability, structure and use of their data. They are particularly relevant to organisations that want to close the gap between field operations and GIS, safeguard data quality, facilitate everyday operations and maintain sustainable asset information that can be handed over.
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