Use Solar Site Data Management

After deploying, operators can immediately begin mapping their solar sites by importing data from CAD files, digitizing site data with web or desktop software or collecting site data with GPS. Operators with existing geospatial data can load it and begin using the apps.

In this topic, you’ll learn how to use the solution by assuming the role of a user and performing the workflows below.

Add data in the field

In these workflows, you will be taking the role of a mobile worker collecting data in the field. If you have a mobile-centric workforce, this may be the best option to collect new data or validate existing data.

Note:

The Solar Site Field Editor map has certain layers that are not visible when the solution is initially deployed. Review the layer list and turn the visibility on for the desired layers.

Collect access points

As a mobile worker, you can add access points from the field.

1. Open the ArcGIS Field Maps app and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. Open the Solar Site Field Editor map.
3. Navigate to the collection location.
4. Tap Add .
5. From the list of features, search for Access Point by swiping up or typing Access Point in the filter search bar.
   If the access point is added to an inaccurate location, or you want to move the point manually, move the crosshairs to the correct location by panning the map and tapping Update Point. This moves the added access point to the specified location.
6. Fill in any attributes and tap Submit.

Collect constraints

As a mobile worker, you can add constraints from the field.

1. Open the ArcGIS Field Maps app and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. Open the Solar Site Field Editor map.
3. Navigate to the collection location.
4. Tap Add .
5. From the list of features, search for Constraints by swiping up or typing Constraints in the filter search bar.
6. Sketch the polygon. Fill in any attributes and tap Submit.

Add map notes

As a mobile worker, you can add a map note to the system.

1. Open the ArcGIS Field Maps app and sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. In ArcGIS Field Maps open the Solar Site Field Editor map.
3. Navigate to the map note location.
4. Tap Add .
5. From the list of features, search for the Map Notes type by swiping up. Select the Map Notes type, and add the note to the map by sketching a polygon in the map note location.
6. Fill in the attributes and click Submit.

   The map note is added to the map and is available to be viewed by others in the organization.

   

Add data in the web

In the workflows below, you will be taking the role of an editor adding data in ArcGIS Online. The workflows explain how to add data in the web, use the provided dashboard, and add and manage map notes.

Note:

The Solar Site Editor map has certain layers that are not visible when the solution is initially deployed. Review the layer list and turn the visibility on for the desired layers.

Add an air quality monitor

As an editor, you want to use a web app to add an air quality monitor to the map.

1. In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. At the top of the site, click Groups.
3. Browse to the Solar Site Editors group and locate the Solar Site Editor app. Click View to launch the app.

   In the Solar Site Editor app, the Editor tool is open by default on the left side of the window when the app opens.

4. In the Editor pane, search for Air Quality Monitor, and select Air Quality Monitor from the list of options.
5. Add the air quality monitor to the correct location.
6. You are prompted to update attributes. Click Create when finished.

Note:

The scale of the map will affect the visibility of layers. Make sure you are at a scale where the air quality monitor is visible before trying to add it to the map.

Add an operations area

As an editor, you want to use a web app to add an operations area.

1. In a browser, sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. At the top of the site, click Groups.
3. Browse to the Solar Site Editors group and locate the Solar Site Editor app. Click View Application to launch the app.

   In the Solar Site Editor app, the Editor tool is open by default on the left side of the window when the app opens.

4. In the Editor pane, search for Operations Area, and select Operations Area from the list of options.
5. Sketch the polygon and double-click to finish the sketch.

   You are prompted to update attributes. Click Create when finished.

Add map notes

As a user, you can add a map note to the system.

1. Browse to the Solar Site Viewers group and locate the Solar Site Viewer app. Click View Application to launch the app.
   1. In the Solar Site Viewer, click the Edit tool to open it.
   2. Choose a map note issue type and sketch a polygon in the desired map note location.
   3. Enter attributes and click Create.

      Map note changes are reflected in other apps and maps across the system so others in your organization can view the latest information.

Manage map notes

As a GIS manager, you can review and resolve map notes about your system to ensure issues are addressed.

1. Browse to the Solar Site Map Notes Managers group and locate the Solar Site Map Notes Manager app. Click View Application to launch the app.

   In the sidebar of the app, there are a several tools that have been configured to filter, edit, and manage map notes.

2. Review the list of included widgets to learn how to use them to manage map notes:
   • Legend—View a list of included layers in the map. The legend displays what is visible on the map, so zooming in or out can expand or reduce the list if scale suppression is set on the layers.
   • Basemap Gallery—Change to your preferred basemap.
   • Bookmarks—Create bookmarks in the Solar Site Map Notes Manager web map and access them here.
   • Layers—Turn layers on and off or view their table.
   • Info—View a map note's information by clicking it in the map.
   • Edit—Add a new map note or edit an existing map note.
   • Filter—Use the Issue, Severity and Status filters to view only map notes that fit the entered criteria.

Use the solar site dashboard

As a member of the organization, you want to have a comprehensive view of your solar site assets.

1. Browse to the Solar Site Viewers group and locate the Solar Site Dashboard app. Click Open Dashboard to launch the dashboard.
2. View the solar site statistics.

Add data in ArcGIS Pro

In the workflows below, you will be taking the role of an editor adding data in ArcGIS Pro. If you have known locations of assets or as-built drawings, the following workflows demonstrate using ArcGIS Pro to add data to your solar site system.

Note:

The first time you open the Solar Site Editor map in ArcGIS Pro, the layers will show as broken. Follow the steps to Configure the Solar Site Data Manager ArcGIS Pro project to fix your layers. The Solar Data Manager map has certain layers that are not visible when the solution is initially deployed. Review the layer list and turn the visibility on for the desired layers.

Add a PV module

As an editor, you can add a PV Module to the map in ArcGIS Pro.

1. Open the Solar Site Data Manager ArcGIS Pro project, sign in to your ArcGIS organization.
2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create.

   The Create Features pane appears.

3. Type PV Module in to the search box and select the PV Module edit template. The default tool for editing is the rectangle tool.
4. Click to start drawing the polygon. Right click and select direction/size. Fill in the information and hit enter
5. On the Edit Tab, Click Save to save your edits.

Add a PV power block

As an editor, you can add PV power blocks.

1. In the Catalog pane, expand Maps and double-click Solar Site Data Manager to open the map.
2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create.

   The Create Features pane appears.

3. Type PV Power Block into the search box and select the PV Power Block edit template.
4. On the Create Features pane, and fill in the attributes.
5. Sketch the polygon and double-click to finish the sketch.
6. On the Edit tab, click Save to save your edits.

Add map notes

As an editor, you can add a map note to the system.

1. In the Catalog pane, expand Maps and double-click Solar Site Data Manager to open the map.
2. On the Edit tab, in the Features group, click Create.

   The Create Features pane appears.

3. Type Map Notes into the search box and select the Map Note edit template. Add the map note by digitizing a polygon on the map at the desired location.
4. On the Map tab, in the Selection group, click Attributes and fill in the attributes.

   The map note is added to the map and is available to be viewed and reviewed by others in the organization.

5. On the Edit tab, click Save to save your edits.