DRPT2008 6-9 April 2008 Nanjing China
Distribution Feeder One-Line Diagrams
Automatic Generation from Geographic
Diagrams Based on GIS
Xianqi LI, Student Member, IEEE, Xiaoliang FENG, Zhiyuan ZENG, Xuejun XU,
Yongchuan ZHANG
Abstract--Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are
computer-based systems designed to support the capture,
management, manipulation, analysis, and modeling of spatially
referenced data. At present, GIS has been extensively used in the
energy management system and provides visualized platform to
electrical distribution system analysis, design and operation, that
is, AM/FM/GIS. One-line diagrams are widely used to represent
the electrical distribution system current state and its facilities
connectivity relationship. Once AM/FM/GIS integrate with
SCADA, the real time operational data obtained, one-line
diagrams could represent electrical distribution system dynamic
topological relationship. In the past, one-line diagrams was
produced by means of manual working using CAD or more
original analogy circuit board, it is inefficient and easily error.
Therefore it’s significant to implement automatic generation one-
line diagram, it can reduce the human errors and the huge effort
in a manual generation technique. This paper presents a
methodology to automatically build these diagrams based on the
usage of geospatial data from AM/FM/GIS. All electrical
distribution system facilities including the network buses,
branches, switches and transformers were abstracted into edges
and nodes. With the aid of the routing methodology in the large
scale integration, an intelligent routing algorithm for the power
system graph is presented. The intelligent routing algorithm
permits the elimination of intersection and overlap of buses and
other facilities. The approach was successfully demonstrated with
some city district electrical distribution system.
Index Terms--Electrical Distribution Systems, GIS, Intelligent
Routing Algorithm, one-line diagram
I. INTRODUCTION
Geographic Information Systems are computer-based
systems designed to management, manipulation, analysis, and
modeling spatially referenced data. At present, GIS has been
widely used in energy management system (EMS), providing
visualization platform to electrical distribution system
analysis, design and operation. The system platform is called
AM/FM/GIS. The platform provides powerful capability to
manipulate both graphic and non-graphic information. It is an
integrated distribution information system with automated
mapping and facility management based on GIS platform. It
integrates graphic representation of information with spatial
Xianqi LI is with the school of hydropower and information engineering,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 P. R.
China (e-mail: lixianqi@gmail.com).
978-7-900714-13-8/08/ ©2008DRPT
relationship and information management for distribution
system facilities [1].
In distribution systems many calculations and analyses,
such as power flow analysis, network planning, line loss
analysis, are conducted to deal with the information regarding
the distribution network topology. Therefore, both geographic
maps and feeder one-line diagrams are important graphic data
in power system. In the distribution system most facilities are
related to locations. The geographic maps are the basis
geospatial data and they contain the topology information of
the network. The one-line diagrams represent all facilities
connected to the distribution network. The diagrams are
widely used to represent the current state and probable
performance.
In the past, one-line diagrams was produced by manual
working using CAD or more original analogy circuit board,
which were inefficient and easily error. In the method of
CAD, it required the manual definition of all network
elements position. Considering the complexity and huge size
of the actual distribution network, the application of the
method may be unfeasible. While the configuration of the
power system had changed, the diagrams could not update and
had to produce again. Moreover, the topological changes of
the distribution network should be represented in the
diagrams. Therefore, Automatic generation of one-line
diagrams based on GIS is a valuable research topic.
It is important to generate one-line diagrams precisely for
most calculation and analyses because adequate construction
could help the network operator to avoid inaccurate decisions.
And the results caused by inaccuracies of one-line diagrams
may make a negative impact on operation decisions. The
automatic generation of one-line diagrams can reduce the
human errors, unexpected inaccuracies and huge efforts
occurred in the past methods. Based on GIS platform, it is
easy to present the distribution network topology. Every
change in network topology should be represented in the
diagrams. Frequent facility operation and topology changes
increase the difficulty of employment in these applications. In
order to minimize the problems, efforts to develop automatic
generation methods have been done. [2] The paper provides a
novel method to one-line diagrams automatic generation from
geographic diagrams based on GIS.
The paper is organized as follows. In section II network
model based on GIS was built, all facilities including the
2228
 DRPT2008 6-9 April 2008 Nanjing China
network buses, branches, switches and transformers were
abstracted into edges and nodes. The former generation
algorithm including search algorithms was surveyed, a novel
algorithm of one-line diagrams automatic generation is
proposed in Section III. In order to avoid intersection and
overlap of buses and other facilities, the intelligent routing
algorithm was presented in Section IV. The example is given
in Section V. Finally Conclusions are drawn in Section VI.
II. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MODELING
It is important to consider the topological analysis when
creating the distribution data model and developing facility
management. Thus, according to the character of the
distribution system, especially in running and configuration,
design a database for the purpose of one-line diagrams.
The paper [2] introduced two models to represent the one-
line diagram: “bus section/switching devices” model and
“bus/branch” model. The first model was commonly used to
permit the visualization of the whole system by the electrical
network operators. The second one was constructed only with
buses and branches, and it is the simplified representation of
the first model. In [3], the authors proposed an improved
model based on graph theory. In the model, the switches are
abstracted into nodes, and the feeders are abstracted into
directed edge. The current flow direction is the edge direction.
There are two kinds of nodes: main nodes and load nodes.
Main nodes contain source, feeder switch nodes, T nodes, line
terminal nodes and contact switch nodes. Transformer is
referred to load nodes. Thus, a distribution line can be seen as
a directed tree rooted a source node.
The paper proposes a distribution network model based on
geometric network related all distribution facilities, such as
buses, feeders, switches, transformers, substations and
switching stations. In the modeling process, the distribution
systems are presented with feature dataset, and the facilities
are abstracted into junction and edge elements. The
distribution network topology is abstracted into geometric
network associated with logic network which is a pure
network graph consisting of edges and junction elements.
These two representations of a network provide a rich model
for storing and analyzing linear systems.
The geometric network is used to simulate utility network,
such as transportation, power system, and so on. It supports
many network tracing and analysis functions. A geometric
network model is a collection of features that comprise a
connected system of edges and junctions. The features that
represent edges and junctions are called network features.
These network features construct a geometric network with
some connectivity rules. A network feature class is a
homogeneous collection of one of these types of network
feature: simple junction feature, complex junction feature,
simple edge feature, or complex edge feature.
The geometric network model can effectively represent the
distribution topology between the distribution facilities. The
GIS analysis functions are also useful in the method to
improve the searching efficiency. The distribution facilities
contain equipment and lines. The buses and branches are
2229
represented by complex edge. The node facilities, such as
stations, switches, transformers and switching stations, are
separated into two elements: simple junction facility and
complex junction facility. Having an internal topology with
connectivity rules, the switching stations are abstracted into
complex junctions. While all the facilities are modeled in the
geometric network, the connective relations are contained in
the network topology, and then the distribution model is
completed.
Fig.1 shows the conceptual model of the distribution
system. Considering the complexity of the distribution
network, the facilities are classified into the model by their
function and construction characters.
Equipment not participating in electrical connections: these
facilities are not contained in geometric network and
abstracted into edges and points feature such as power poles.
Equipment participating in electrical connections: these
facilities are classified into junction feature and edge feature
which is inherited from network feature. The objects are built
up in feature dataset and connected to geometric network. The
junction features are classified into simple junction feature and
complex junction feature by their function and construction.
For example, the switches and transformers are modeled to
simple junction features; however, the switching stations are
modeled to complex junction features because they have an
internal micro network which is constituted with buses and
switches. The lines contain simple objects and complex
objects which are inherit from complex edge feature.
Other information related to distribution system: these
objects are derived directly from object class, and then build
connections with distribution network by relationship class.
Fig.1. Conceptual data model of the distribution system
III. GENERATION ALGORITHM REPRESENTATION
Readability and aesthetics are two quantities desired for
one-line diagrams. The main objective for automatic one-line
diagram layout generation is in its ability to replace the labor-
intensive task of manual diagram construction and produce
visualizations of relational information that are easy to
remember and understand aesthetically pleasing. There are
four steps to draw one-line diagrams.
①. Obtain the topology of the distribution system elements
 DRPT2008 6-9 April 2008 Nanjing China
(edges and junctions)
②. Add geospatial data that are related with the network
elements to topology information
③. Generate an estimate of the positions of the buses on the
basis of the geospatial data
④. Apply the intelligent routing algorithms to generate a
crossing-free one-line diagram.
In this section, the search algorithms of topology and
generation algorithms of one-line diagrams are discussed. And
the fourth step will be discussed in next section.
In paper [4], it described a method for automatic generation
of substation diagrams. The artificial intelligence frames were
adopted for the representation of substation and their network.
Some expert rules on the layout and drawing of substation
buses were accumulated and summarized.
In paper [5], three placement algorithms were presented
that may be employed for the automatic generation of one-line
diagrams of power systems. The algorithms included spring
embedder, rooted tree, and controlled spring embedder with
grid aligning. Some criteria were proposed for generating
diagrams: distribution of power component evenly in the
frame; zero or minimum line/edge crossings; placement of
related power components in close proximity and no
overlapping; uniform line lengths; inherent symmetry;
minimizing frame size usage.
The topology of a one-line diagram is similar with the
connections of graph elements, which makes feasible using the
methods for graphs visualization to generate the one-line
diagram of distribution system. There are two common search
methods to tracing the network: depth first search (DFS) and
breadth first search (BFS). Using either method to trace entire
network and to obtain the topology is feasible. However, the
distribution complex network contains many insignificant
nodes which may lead to inefficiency and slow search speed.
To solve the problem, the paper proposes an improved search
algorithm based on GIS.
With complex topology and numerous facilities, the
distribution network is simplified by the classification of
nodes. The nodes are classified into key branch nodes,
ordinary nodes, transformer nodes (load nodes), switching
nodes and source nodes. Then the search process is divided
into two parts. The first part is from station source to the
switching nodes, involving source nodes, switching nodes and
key branch nodes. And it searches from switching nodes to
load nodes in the second part, involving switching nodes and
load nodes. The method can remove many ordinary nodes
from the complex topology and reduce the complexity of the
search.
The following paragraphs present the principle and process
of the algorithm.
The first part of the algorithm:
Firstly, set the power point as the root nodes and the
switching nodes as leaf nodes;
Then, search the path between the root nodes and leaf
nodes by searching the upstream adjacent nodes gradually;
obtain the father nodes of every node;
The third step, accumulate the node number of the path;
2230
Finally, set the path with maximum nodes as the main
feeder, and other paths as the branches, thus the root-tree is
built.
The second part of the algorithm:
Set the switching nodes or key branch nodes as root
nodes and the transformer nodes as leaf nodes, search
according to flows and obtain the son-tree. The principle is
similar to above.
Adding all son-trees to the root tree, we get a profile of
the distribution one-line diagram. In the next section, the
diagram will be adjusted, eliminating intersection and
superposition, building a readable and aesthetical one-line
diagram.
The one-line diagram can roughly be generated after the
above two parts. However, distribution system is often
complicated because it includes many facilities and line
connections. Therefore the layout using intelligent routing
algorithm will be given in the next section.
IV. INTELLIGENT ROUTING ALGORITHM
The routing of power system diagram is similar to IC
routing, for example, the definite starting and ending points,
the horizontal or vertical lines, and so on. But there is obvious
dissimilarity in routing sequence. The IC routing must be in a
fixed order. However, in an electrical one-line diagram, the
routing sequence is not so important. Applying the maze or lee
algorithm directly without considering the electrical routing
characteristic and experts experience is not a good idea. In
paper [7], the authors presented a production system frame to
solve the problem.
In the paper, referencing the line-network-oriented thinking,
expert experience is summarized as reasoning strategy which
is described as routing rule. Using these rules, the diagram
built in above section will become regular and readable.
The following is the fundamental principle of routing:
①. Select the main feeder
②. Identification the laterals (branches)
③. Assignment of directions
④. Computation of co-ordinates
The following is the specific rules of routing:
①. Set the substation as the starting point, and the
connection switch as the terminal;
②. Set the main feeder as the 1st level branch, and it is
horizontal, so the 2n+1 level branch is horizontal and the
2n level is vertical;
③. The adjacent branches in the father branch are set in
different sides;
④. The nearest load nodes from their father nodes are
routed following the principle “down-prior and left-prior”;
⑤. Assume the vertical/horizontal distance between two
adjacent load nodes which are in the same side is l, the
distance between two adjacent branches which are in the
same side is 4l;
⑥. The distance between the load node and switching
node is l, and the distance between the load node and key
branch node is 1.5l;
⑦. The distance between the switching node and key
 DRPT2008 6-9 April 2008 Nanjing China
branch node is also l;
⑧. Add the branches to main feeder from low level to
high level gradually;
Finally, through the routing, the implicit and readable one-
line diagram is automatic generated.
V. CASE STUDY
Fig.2 shows a geographic diagram of a city district
distribution system and Fig.3 shows a part of the diagram.
Fig.2. The geographic diagram of a city district distribution system
Fig.3. A part of the geographic diagrams
In Fig.3, there are two distribution lines which are
connected by the connection switch “Donggong102”. The
connect relationship is represented in Fig.4. Fig.4 shows the
first step of building one-line diagram, and Fig.5 represents
the final one-line diagram of distribution system.
2231
Fig.4. First step of one-line diagram
Fig.5. The final feeder one-line diagram
VI. CONCLUSION
This paper explores distribution feeder one-line diagrams
automatic generation from geographic diagrams based on GIS.
A conceptual data model of the distribution system is
represented in this paper. And a novel method for automatic
generation one-line diagram is provided. The approach is
successfully demonstrated with some city district electrical
distribution system. One-line diagrams automatic generation
can adapt distribution system frequent switches operation and
update network connection timely, as long as the real time
switches status can obtained from SCADA. Meanwhile the
one-line diagram application will not end only distribution
system, in fact, one-line diagram of the whole power system
including generation, transmission and distribution is our
further research.
VII. REFERENCE
[1] T.E. Lee, C.S. Chen, Y.M. Tzeng, et al, The Application of AM/FM
System to Distribution Contingency Load Transfer. IEEE Transactions
on Power Delivery, Vol. 10, No. 2, April 1995, pp: 1126-1135
[2] Lia Toledo Moreira Mota1, Alexandre de Assis Mota, Wu Shin-Ting,
Using Geospatial Data to Generate One-line Diagrams of Electrical
Power Systems. http://geoinfo. dpi.inpe.br/ col/dpi.inpe.br/ geoinfo@ 80
/2006/07.11.11.46/doc/P14.pdf
[3] Liu jian, Wu yuan, Liu gongquan, Conversion from GIS based feeder
maps to electric diagrams. Automation of electric power systems, Vol.29,
No.14, July 2005, pp: 73-77
[4] Zhu Yongli, O. P. Malik, Intelligent Automatic Generation of Graphical
One-Line Substation Arrangement Diagrams. IEEE Transactions on
Power Delivery, Vol. 18, No. 3, July 2003, pp: 729-735
 DRPT2008 6-9 April 2008 Nanjing China

[5] YS Ong, H.B.Gooi and C.K.Chan, Algorithms for automatic generation

of one-line. IEE Proc.-Gener. Transm. Distrib, Vol. 147, No.
5, September 2000, pp: 292 - 298
[6] P.S. Nagendra Rao, Ravishankar Deekshit, Distribution feeder one-line
diagram generation: a visibility representation. Electric Power Systems
Research, Vol.70, Issue 3, August 2004, pp: 173-178
[7] Wang Ping, Yang Peilong, LuoYing xin, et al, Intelligent Routing
Algorithm for Power System Graph Using Production System.
Computer Engineering, Vol.31, No.1, January 2005, pp: 195-198
[8] Hua Li, Hsiao-Dong Chiang, One-Line Diagram Builder for Power
System Analysis. Power Engineering Society Summer Meeting, 1999.
IEEE Vol. 2, 18-22 July 1999, pp: 652 - 657

2232