News and perspectives from the world of fiber optic networking

There's a lot to say in the world of fiber optic networking - planning, design, mapping, technology, software, database, permitting, dark fiber, fiber-to-the-home. The experienced network professionals of 3-GIS know the challenges you face & implement solutions daily.

Hero icon

Jul 15, 2024 12:00:00 PM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • App modernization
  • Press

Along the Path: How can we adopt AI and automation to solve data challenges?

Welcome to the 2024 Q3 edition of Along the Path. In this edition, we’re diving into ways to implement AI and automation to streamline network data capture, migration, and management.

Read More
Jun 10, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • 3-GIS | Web

How do Esri and 3-GIS work together?

One question we get asked a lot of centres on how Esri and 3-GIS technologies combine to provide a comprehensive, GIS-based system of record. In this post, we’ll explain the collaborative relationship between Esri and 3-GIS and the respective roles they play in telecom network management.

Read More
Jun 3, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS

What is enterprise GIS?

If there’s one thing that’s consistent across the telecom industry, it’s the need for reliable data. As telcos work through their planning and growth strategies, data accessibility and integrity remain points of friction—prompting discussions around the need for enterprise GIS. But what exactly is enterprise GIS? Let’s break it down to understand why more and more organizations are embracing it.

Read More
May 27, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • 3-GIS | Web
  • 3-GIS | Diagramming

The evolution of network visualization

I have always found maps to be interesting. Whether it was a nautical chart or fold out road map in the back seat of a car, I spent quite a bit of time looking at maps as a child. Even when I go somewhere today, I will often bring back a map as a souvenir.

Read More
Apr 22, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • Fiber deployment

The evolving role of GIS in telecom

Today’s Geographic Information System (GIS) goes beyond mere mapping; it plays a crucial role in enhancing business operations overall. In telecom, the integration of GIS into network operations has become increasingly essential—evolving from simple asset tracking to influencing business strategy. But what’s driving this need?

Read More
Apr 1, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • 3-GIS | Web
  • Fiber network planning

Collecting railroad crossing information for fiber planning

Recently, I tuned into a webinar hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) all about permitting. One topic that caught my attention was the process of obtaining a railroad crossing permit, which, in the United States, requires including a standardized railroad crossing ID.

Curiosity piqued, and I decided to do a bit of sleuthing to see if this data was readily available. A quick Google search with the terms "Federal Railroad Crossing Esri" led me straight to the Federal Railroad Administration Safety Crossing Inventory, Form 71. I found that this database contained up-to-date information that could really simplify the permitting process.

Read More
Feb 19, 2024 9:00:00 AM
  • Fiber network management
  • Telecom technologies
  • App modernization
  • Digital transformation

Revolutionizing network data collection: AI and the opportunity ahead

The efficient and accurate collection of data is paramount in telecom but has historically been a challenge. Traditional methods often involve manual data entry, cumbersome paperwork, and the potential for errors, leading to challenges in data quality, currency, and operational efficiency. However, the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, and augmented reality (AR) presents a transformative opportunity to revolutionize fiber network data collection processes. 

Read More
Jan 15, 2024 8:00:00 AM
  • Telecom technologies
  • GIS
  • App modernization
  • Digital transformation

Navigating change: Migrating to a modern GIS solution - Part 3

In this final post of the series on migrating from legacy network asset management solutions, we look at a critical component of any successful migration project: change management. As we have previously seen, a migration is not just about adopting new technology; it's a profound shift that affects the entire organisation. Today we briefly cover how a successful change management plan can make a difference in your migration journey.

Read More