ModelBuilder™ Aids Site Analysis for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is creating an inclusive green economy for the people of Los Angeles by unlocking innovation by working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, transforming markets through partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in transportation, energy, and sustainable cities, and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots, and other programs.  

As part of a California Energy Commission planning grant, LACI created an ArcGIS map to track and determine new locations for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for trucks around the Port of Los Angeles, CA. Energy availability in the area, current truck routes, and least negative impact to surrounding community were all criteria involved in location selection. Ultimately, the project identified specific sites throughout the I-710 corridor that were the best candidates for near-term deployment. 

Sourcing city and county data is complex. Argis Solutions, Inc., in partnership with Platte River Analytics, assisted LACI in collecting data for its placement site analysis. First, parcels from the 710 corridor area were downloaded in separate datasets. A building footprint layer was used to determine which parcels were undeveloped. Undeveloped parcels greater than three quarters of an acre were selected utilizing a custom tool built using ModelBuilder within ArcGIS® Pro.  

LACI received a table detailing parcels that met its criteria, along with zoning data for the selected parcels via a map in ArcGIS® Online. With that information in hand, LACI and their community partners moved forward with site analysis of certain parcels that were prioritized for development by the surrounding community and suited to host a truck charging depot.