La Habra Heights GIS: A New Era of Smart Water Utility Management with Nobel Systems
- Lyn Fandiño
- Sep 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 30
La Habra Heights County Water District (LHHCWD) has officially partnered with Nobel Systems to implement a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) solution, marking a major milestone in the district’s journey toward digital transformation. This collaboration introduces advanced GIS capabilities that will revolutionize how LHHCWD manages its water infrastructure, field operations, and customer service.
Why GIS Is Essential for Water Utilities
GIS technology enables water utilities to visualize, analyze, and manage spatial data related to their infrastructure. From mapping underground pipelines to tracking maintenance activities, GIS provides a centralized platform for smarter decision-making. For LHHCWD, the adoption of Nobel Systems’ GIS solutions means improved operational efficiency, enhanced asset visibility, and better service delivery.
GIS Data Creation Support
At the heart of this partnership is Nobel Systems’ commitment to providing unlimited GIS data creation support. This includes digitizing water network features from paper atlas maps and CAD as-built drawings, ensuring high positional and connectivity accuracy. Using ArcGIS tools, Nobel Systems will create and edit line, point, and polygon features to represent valves, hydrants, easements, and other critical infrastructure.
The project kicks off with a collaborative meeting between Nobel Systems and LHHCWD stakeholders to align goals and expectations. Nobel’s experienced team will then begin the meticulous process of data digitization, guided by industry best practices and proven methodologies.
Quality Assurance and Data Integrity
Nobel Systems places a strong emphasis on quality assurance and control throughout the GIS data creation process. Their QA/QC framework includes multiple stages of verification to ensure consistency, positional accuracy, and attribute integrity. Initial quality checks compare digitized features against source documents, while graphical construction and attribution are validated using specialized tools.
This rigorous approach ensures that the GIS data is reliable, accurate, and ready for advanced network analysis and operational planning.
GeoViewer: The Power Behind La Habra Heights GIS
The implementation of Nobel Systems’ GeoViewer platform is a game-changer for LHHCWD. GeoViewer is a cloud-based enterprise GIS solution available in both online and mobile formats, designed to be intuitive and accessible for users of all technical backgrounds.
GeoViewer Online
GeoViewer Online provides secure, browser-based access to interactive water and sewer atlas maps, property search tools, and Google Street View integration. Users can navigate maps, locate assets, and print customized layouts—all without needing extensive GIS training.
Key features include:
Parcel and address search
Layer display and selection tools
Integration with ESRI Shapefiles and CAD drawings
Hyperlinking of scanned documents to GIS features
Map printing with standardized templates
GeoViewer Mobile
GeoViewer Mobile extends GIS functionality to the field, allowing staff to collect and view data in real-time—online or offline. With support for iPads and other mobile devices, field crews can access asset data, service history, and as-built drawings, while capturing new information using integrated GPS and camera tools.
Modules included in the mobile solution:
USA DigAlert: Automates ticket management and field coordination
Valve Data Collection: Syncs valve exercise data via Bluetooth
Hydrant Flushing: Records flushing activities and water quality metrics
Leak Reporting: Tracks leak locations and identifies hotspot areas
GPS Data Collection: Enhances spatial accuracy of field data
Training and Support for Long-Term Success
To ensure smooth adoption and long-term success, Nobel Systems offers unlimited training and technical support. LHHCWD staff will receive hands-on guidance and resources to fully leverage the capabilities of the GeoViewer platform, both in the office and in the field.
Cost-Effective and Scalable GIS Solution
The GIS data creation project is priced at $24,800, which includes linking as-built plans to GIS assets. The GeoViewer platform is offered under a three-year agreement, with an annual subscription fee of $32,000, covering both online and mobile licenses, module integrations, and support services.
This cost-effective model ensures that LHHCWD receives a scalable and sustainable GIS solution that can evolve with its needs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of La Habra Heights GIS
The partnership between LHHCWD and Nobel Systems represents a forward-thinking approach to water utility management. By embracing GIS technology, LHHCWD is positioning itself as a leader in smart infrastructure, data-driven decision-making, and customer-centric service.
As Nobel Systems continues to innovate and expand its offerings, LHHCWD will benefit from future enhancements, integrations, and insights that will further strengthen its operations and community impact.
The launch of La Habra Heights GIS in partnership with Nobel Systems is a transformative step for the district. With powerful tools like GeoViewer, unlimited data support, and mobile integration, LHHCWD is now equipped to manage its water infrastructure with greater precision, efficiency, and transparency.
Stay tuned for updates as this exciting initiative unfolds—and discover how GIS is shaping the future of water utilities.
About Nobel Systems
Nobel Systems, Inc. is a leader in Cloud GIS and Smart Utility Solutions, delivering innovative mapping technology, data services, and strategic consulting to support sustainable public service operations. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Redlands, California, Nobel Systems, Inc. serves clients across the United States and internationally.
Learn more at www.nobel-systems.com
