What Is Geo SCADA? Introduction to Schneider Electric's ClearSCADA Platform

Quick Answer

Geo SCADA Expert (formerly ClearSCADA) is Schneider Electric's enterprise SCADA platform, purpose-built for monitoring and controlling geographically distributed infrastructure such as oil and gas pipelines, water distribution systems, and electric utility networks.

History: From ClearSCADA to Geo SCADA Expert

The platform originated as ClearSCADA, developed by Control Microsystems, a Canadian company specializing in RTU and SCADA technology. Schneider Electric acquired Control Microsystems and integrated the product into their industrial automation portfolio. The platform was rebranded as Geo SCADA Expert under Schneider's EcoStruxure architecture. Despite the name changes, the core technology, database structure, and configuration approach have remained consistent across releases.

Server/Client Architecture Overview

Geo SCADA uses a centralized server architecture. The server process runs as a Windows service and manages all device communications, data processing, alarm evaluation, historical logging, and scripted logic. Operators access the system through ViewX (desktop client) or WebX (browser client). The server supports redundant mirrored pairs for high availability in critical applications.

Built-in Historian and Database

All Geo SCADA data — configuration, real-time values, historical trends, alarm events, and audit trails — is stored in Microsoft SQL Server. This is a key differentiator from file-based SCADA systems. The SQL backend enables:

• Direct SQL queries for custom reports and dashboards
• Integration with business intelligence tools (Power BI, SSRS)
• Standard database backup, replication, and disaster recovery
• API access via the Geo SCADA database API for custom applications

Supported Communication Protocols

Geo SCADA includes native drivers for the most common telemetry protocols:

• DNP3 — Full master implementation with unsolicited response support, secure authentication, and class-based polling. DNP3 is the primary protocol for oil and gas and utility deployments.
• Modbus — Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU for meters, PLCs, and general-purpose I/O devices.
• IEC 60870-5-101/104 — International telecontrol protocols used in electric utility and water systems outside North America.
• OPC — OPC DA and OPC UA for integration with third-party systems and PLCs.

Licensing Model

Geo SCADA is licensed on a per-server basis with tiered options based on the number of connected I/O points and client connections. Unlike Ignition's unlimited model, Geo SCADA requires license tier upgrades as the system grows. Schneider Electric offers development, runtime, and redundant server license variants.

Typical Deployment Environments

• Oil and gas gathering systems — Monitoring wellhead pressures, separator levels, and compressor stations across multiple production leases using SCADAPack or Bristol FB300 RTUs connected via DNP3 over radio or cellular.
• Pipeline monitoring — Transmission and gathering pipeline pressure, flow, and temperature monitoring with leak detection algorithms and custody transfer measurement.
• Water utilities — Distribution system pressure monitoring, pump station control, reservoir level management, and treatment plant integration.
• Electric distribution — Substation monitoring, recloser control, and distributed generation management using IEC protocols.