Creating a GIS data model for IT infrastructure management : a pilot project at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North–West University

Abstract

The need for the implementation of a spatial information management system in the telecommunication sector has been the focus point of numerous studies (Halfawy et al., 2002; Meehan, 2007; Turkstra et al., 2003; Barbu & Cumblidge, 2002; Cai, 2002; French & Jia, 2007). Telecommunications infrastructure, including computer networks, can create complex networks, which has to be managed and maintained. A spatial information management tool is needed to store the spatial and non-spatial information at a central point, while accurately displaying the data visually. Due to the fact that a large quantity of a computer network’s infrastructure is located indoors, it is essential for the information management tool to represent the network elements indoors as well as outdoors. A Geographical Information System (GIS) offers numerous benefits such as a central storage environment for all the spatial and non-spatial data, data validation measures, analysis options as well as accurate visual representation of the spatial data. The aim of this study is to determine to what extent GIS software can be implemented in order to manage, analyze and visually illustrate an IT-network between buildings as well as inside of buildings on a campus. In order to achieve this aim, the study will present a pilot data model representing the computer network for a part of the Potchefstroom campus of the North West University. The data model will be able to perform various analysis methods on the feature attributes, as well as the network. In order to accurately display the infrastructure inside a building on multiple levels, the spatial features will be viewed in a three-dimensional environment. The study concludes by describing to what extent a GIS implementation can be applied for a computer network in terms of its data storage and management abilities; its visual representation capabilities and analysis potential.