Creating associations in existing utility network

[TanyaWright1]

Hello, 

I am creating our water systems subnetworks (UN version 7) and realized I may need to add associations to our utility network for some of our isolated water areas to be represented correctly. In one case we have an isolated area that has water from a well into a reservoir tank, pumped through a booster station and delivered directly to the residents. I wanted to use the well as the subnetwork controller. I have the well point, the tank point, and the water lines, but I am assuming I should connect them through associations as they don't physically connect in GIS. (Unless the more simple solution is just to extend the water pipes through the tank site to the tank point to achieve connectivity). I haven't worked with associations yet, so I am a little stuck on how to proceed. If using associations is the correct way to model this situation, do I use the import associations tool to create the associations table? If yes, does anyone have example data of how to correctly populate the csv file for that tool? Open to other suggestions as well for what would be the best practice for this scenario. 

Thank you!

[TSmith]

You would want to add connectivity associations to be able to visualize connectivity, in addition to tracing functionality. If there is a business case for being able to trace beyond a booster station, that is certainly supported. You can also just start your subnetwork at the booster pump itself and apply it to the pressure tier; depending on the size of your system this may make more sense. Just depends on your business needs and several other factors. 

The import associations tool just takes the GUIDs of the features you want to link by association, so as long you have a CSV with that info; you should be good to go. 

[RobertKrisher]

Associations are great for when you want things to be connected without showing lines, or without having to draw/maintain extra pipes. In this scenario, I would lean towards drawing the pipes so it's immediately obvious how things are connected.

Regardless of the approach you take, because you are dealing with subnetwork controllers make sure you have all the rules set up for the correction junction-junction or junction-edge connectivity to allow the correct terminals to connect.

If you do need to add rules, consider copying your data out to a local mobile or file geodatabase to test out the changes until you have all the configuration you need to get everything connected and all the subnetworks tracing. It may take you a few tries to get everything squared up, and it's easier to do it in a local geodatabase where you don't have to worry about stopping services and interfering with users trying to get work done.

[gis_KIWI4]

@TanyaWright1 - Other have already answered what you are after. I'll just add to it. 

Step 1 - Make sure rules exist for the type of association (connectivity, containment, structural) you are attempting to make. 
Step 2 - Use a pre-populated csv with the import associations tools. Here is an example of one I used to upload associations into our Electric UN. 

If you are unsure of the csv - 

1)Make an association manually. 
2)Export that association using GP tools.
3)You will have a csv showing how you might populate it.
4)Add the new associations you want to make.
5)Import that csv using Import Associations tool. 

Hope that helps. 

[TanyaWright1]

Hi @gis_KIWI4 , 

Thank you for your reply! All of these responses have been very helpful to me in understanding the UN more.

I think I am stuck at step 1. Would I go through the simple data mapping /apply asset package workflow and have to create a brand new UN gdb? I guess I don't understand the process of how to create the association rules in an existing UN. I'm hoping to get a better understanding before I make a decision on which way I want to go with the data.

Thank you!

[gis_KIWI4]

@TanyaWright1 - You can create association rules within an existing UN. Disable Topology -> Add Rule -> Enable Network Topology.

In your case I would identify the objects you are trying to create an association for and work through what is needed. 

Lets say I want to an association between a switch (Electric Device) and Substation (Structure Boundary)

For this to happen two things need to be true - 
1) The Substation needs to have an association role of Container.

If this isn't already set then use GP tools to set the association role. 

2) There needs to be a rule that allows for associations.

If this rule does not exist then add it using the GP tool 

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When I said create an association manually, I meant using the GUI (once the above is done)
Use the Modify tool. 

Once that is done, export the associations using the Export Associations GP tool. 

This will give you a spreadsheet with the association that you just created.
You can now use this as a template and load up all the other associations. 

Import this using the Import Association Tools. 

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 https://pro.arcgis.com/en/pro-app/latest/help/data/utility-network/associations.htm
More Information here 🙂