This paper presents a comprehensive review of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications in utility asset management and infrastructure planning, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, decision-making, and long-term sustainability. Utilities across electricity, water, gas, and telecommunications sectors increasingly rely on GIS technologies to manage complex asset networks, optimize maintenance strategies, and support data-driven planning processes. The review synthesizes existing literature to examine how GIS integrates spatial and non-spatial data for improved asset visibility, condition monitoring, and lifecycle management. Key applications include network mapping, fault detection, predictive maintenance, and risk assessment, all of which contribute to reduced operational costs and improved service reliability. The study further explores the role of GIS in infrastructure planning by enabling scenario analysis, demand forecasting, and spatial optimization of new asset deployment. Through geospatial modeling and visualization, planners can assess environmental constraints, population growth patterns, and land use dynamics to inform strategic investment decisions. The integration of GIS with advanced technologies such as remote sensing, Internet of Things (IoT), and real-time data platforms is also examined, highlighting the evolution toward intelligent and adaptive infrastructure systems. Additionally, the review identifies key challenges associated with GIS implementation, including data quality issues, interoperability limitations, high initial investment costs, and the need for skilled personnel. Case examples from both developed and developing contexts illustrate how institutional capacity, regulatory frameworks, and technological readiness influence the effectiveness of GIS adoption. The study emphasizes the importance of standardized data models, robust governance structures, and cross-sector collaboration to maximize the benefits of GIS-enabled asset management. By consolidating current knowledge and emerging trends, this review provides a structured understanding of GIS capabilities in utility operations and planning. It offers practical insights for policymakers, utility managers, and researchers seeking to leverage geospatial technologies for improved infrastructure performance and resilience. Ultimately, the paper underscores the critical role of GIS as a foundational tool in modern utility management, supporting the transition toward smart, sustainable, and data-driven infrastructure systems in an increasingly complex and dynamic environment.
Dagodzo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.