Further expanding its “smart grid” portfolio of utility transmission and distribution offerings, GE Energy has announced plans to acquire MapFrame of Dallas, Texas, a leading provider of mobile mapping and field automation technologies.

GE Energy and MapFrame shareholders have signed a purchase agreement authorizing the acquisition. Subject to customary closing conditions, the acquisition is expected to close at the end of June. MapFrame serves nearly 30 major utilities throughout North America, with 35,000 end users.

“With its outstanding industry knowledge, software expertise and proven technology, MapFrame is an excellent fit with our overall smart grid initiative,” said Bob Gilligan, general manager of GE Energy’s transmission and distribution business.

GE’s smart grid offerings are designed to help utilities increase productivity and reliability, while also providing consumers with the information to better manage their electricity use and expenses. MapFrame products provide utility employees with real-time information, enabling them to work more efficiently and productively in the field.

When the acquisition is completed, MapFrame’s employees will join GE’s transmission and distribution operations as part of the Smallworld business, a global leader in geographic information systems (GIS) that joined GE Energy in 2000. Smallworld technology supports application products for telecommunications, utility and public systems organizations.