University of Richmond (UR) has historically maintained utility information in a schematic (non-geographic) CAD file. Every utility was present in a single file: water, stormwater, sewer, electric, steam, chilled water, and telecom. Following an initiative to make this data visible both to more staff and in more places (in the field), UR conducted a project with Timmons Group to create a GIS program. This involved creating the database, migrating the data from CAD to GIS, correcting it to be geographically accurate, further enhancing it via field data collection, and finally training of UR staff to empower them to use and administer the new solution. With the utilities in GIS, UR staff can now holistically see all the utility GIS from anywhere on campus.
Ally Kennedy is the Principal of Geospatial Utilities at Timmons Group. In 2022, Ally became one of the first 25 individuals in the United States to earn an Esri Utility Network Specialty certification from Esri. Now she leads a GIS team focused on developing solutions for the Utility industries. Under Ally’s leadership, Timmons Group has become a sought-after vendor for modernization projects, transitioning organizations away from paper-based and CAD workflows and into the digital realm with GIS.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025