ABSTRACT
This Chapter describes a flexible architecture of a Web-based GIS (Geographic Information System) application for utility network visualization. This Web-based application serves as a platform for high-level power system analysis. Different from regular applications, this GIS platform may be viewed as a semicompleted application. It implements fundamental features of a utility system application such as GIS-like drawing and visualization, built-in topology processor, and so on. Meanwhile, the platform defines open data structures for power system components with efficiency and flexibility being a major consideration. It also provides a mechanism to link itself with external engines, instead of implementing the engines directly. This architecture may achieve considerable flexibility. To maximize the benefits to users, the proposed platform is Web-enabled with a Java Applet. It is universally accessible, instantaneously upgradeable, and operating system independent.
