Water networks are fundamentally geospatial, comprising a set of interconnected hydraulic components, transporting water in the right pressure and flow in the requirements of urban areas and deliver water in the right quality. However, to effectively model these interconnected hydraulic components, a utility must know the geospatial location and the ways it is interconnected both physically and functionally (Do et al., 2017; Herrin et al., 2017). The GIS integrated with WaterGEMS hydraulic model offer analytical solutions for modelling, designing and operational intelligence of water utilities. One of the major challenges of developing countries distribution network modelling is inefficient and improper methods of geospatial database of water distribution networks and its management. Hence, to solve these problems the network was modelled by the use of Geographic information system technology starting with a few files of AutoCAD format, where the plotting of network elements found. The plotting of pipes and other elements were imported and the missing information were completed in ArcMap.
Based on GIS integrated with WaterGEMS hydraulic model, as demonstrated here a set of comprehensive modelling, management, and spatial decision support system analysis system for water supply network in this paper. Hence, initiation of computer technology has generated increased interest in methods that facilitate the realistic modeling of geometric networks as well as manage hydraulic network model data (Sudheer, 2019). Sudheer (2019) in his work evaluates the ever-increasing demand can be fulfilled by designing efficient water distribution networks based on advance computing systems include modern hydraulic modeling and designing softwares.
Shamsi (2004) described three basic methods of developing GIS based modeling application, i.e., interchange, interface and integration as a tool to diagnose the system water productivity and reduces cost. The integration of GIS with the hydraulic model WaterCAD provides opportunities for spatial analysis, a system of record assets, and data management (Alrayess et al., 2017; Eljamassi et al., 2013). The proposed method was evaluated for the hydraulic situation of the water network and the results showed the method to be suitable.
Vairavamoorthy et al., (2004) investigated GIS technology integration with EPANET hydraulic model and applied to spatial decision support system for solving pipe risk mitigation problems of water distribution system. As demonstrated here, the contaminant entrance potential and potential pollution area of water pipes were displayed as thematic map in GIS and the areas resulting in high risk were identified from the GIS maps. Pindiga and Sani, (2015) examined the GIS technology for mapping water distribution network and the task of GIS technology is locating underground pipes and the features installed within water supply. The logical architecture is studied by having the logical position of various features within the water distribution network helps for the proper management, strategic planning and operation managements.
Kruszynski et al. (2020) examined an integrated GIS and the hydraulic model to improve water supply and sanitary networks into one coherent management system, owing to which a holistic assessment of the functioning of the water and sewerage management system in the city is possible. Their work evaluates the integrated system should allow to regulate the hydraulic situation of the network to its value at serviceable range and reduce age of water to the required level.