Project Snapshot
| Category | Details |
| Client | Field Data Services Inc. (FDSI) |
| Project Name | Distribution Circuit Builder Software Deployment |
| Location | Various U.S. States |
| Date | 1996–2001 |
Project Overview
Introduction
From 1996 to 2001, Underhill partnered with Field Data Services Inc. (FDSI) to deploy and customize its Distribution Circuit Builder (DCB) software—later known as Copan FM – Electric—for large-scale utility field inventory projects across the United States.
Project Background
This collaboration began with a 1992 pilot project with Florida Power & Light, where early mobile systems fell short. By 1996, Underhill’s pen-based Windows application delivered the speed and customization FDSI needed to scale. With over 20 mobile systems, DCB supported efficient field data capture across multiple states and utilities.
Major Deployments
- MidAmerica Energy 430,000 poles and attachments
Delivered in Intergraph - Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) 22,500 poles and 42,500 meters
Delivered in Smallworld - Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO) 375,000 distribution and 13,373 transmission poles
Delivered in AutoCAD - NewCOM 130,000 poles and attachments
Delivered in AutoCAD - Kentucky Utilities Address reconciliation for 365,000 customers
Delivered in Smallworld - Arizona Public Utility 177,000 poles and attachments
Delivered in ArcINFO
Software Customization & Integration
Each utility required specific GIS outputs and data models. Underhill adapted DCB for seamless integration by providing:
- Pen-based field input for real-time data capture
- Attribute validation and structured input
- GIS-ready data exports to AutoCAD, Intergraph, ArcINFO, and Smallworld
Project Impact
- Supported fast, scalable utility field data collection
- Enabled delivery of high-quality GIS datasets
- Digitized more than 1.5 million utility assets
Demonstrated mobile field mapping long before industry-wide adoption
