Harmonized geospatial data to evaluate the Electric Distribution Networks in the US Northeast

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Computer Science
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Open-access data on electric distribution networks is vital for energy equity, infrastructure resilience, and policy evaluation.
• Existing data is often fragmented, hindering comprehensive analysis of grid performance and sustainability.
• Geospatial and topological data are essential for understanding network morphology and its impact on energy outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a harmonized, open-access geospatial dataset of electric distribution networks in the US Northeast.
• To integrate technical, spatial, and topological information for a comprehensive network analysis.
• To facilitate multidimensional assessments of electric grid performance, sustainability, and equity.

Main Methods:

• Extracted data from utility hosting capacity maps (public GIS layers).
• Processed data using a reproducible pipeline to create a harmonized geospatial dataset.
• Integrated complex network theory with spatial infrastructure mapping.

Main Results:

• Developed a dataset covering 72.46% of the population and 84.96% of the geographic area in the US Northeast.
• The network comprises 3,884,698 line segments.
• The dataset provides integrated technical, spatial, and topological information.

Conclusions:

• The harmonized dataset enables multidimensional assessment of electric grid performance, sustainability, and equity.
• Researchers and policymakers can explore links between development patterns, network morphology, and energy outcomes.
• This resource supports advancements in energy equity and infrastructure resilience through data-driven insights.