For underground networks, cross sections simplify the management of the relationships between segments, ducts, and conductors during data acquisition. Cross sections provide a cross sectional view of the following electrical elements:
- Segments—A segment cross section shows the ducts and conductors that lie in the underground network segment. You can edit the conductors and ducts in the cross section. For example, you can place or remove ducts in the segment, and you can place or remove conductors in a duct.
In underground distribution, segments are equivalent to trenches. In overhead transmission, segments do not have a physical equivalent. They define the pathway for conductors attached to poles. Segment cross sections include snap points to facilitate conductor placement.
- Poles and Towers—A pole or a tower cross section shows the conductor snap points associated with the pole or tower. The view is of the pole or tower looking down from the sky.
In addition, an extended cross section is available for the elevation view of the pole or tower (looking north or east).
In Electric NA, segments and conductors are stored with geometry but ducts are attribute feature classes without geometry. Using cross sections, you can present all elements in the map.