Smartpipe overlays in-line inspection tool data onto digital orthorectified aerial photos to create a visual representation of the pipeline and its positioning relative to geographic features. Integrating the 3-D pipeline model with the information gained by the ILI tool allows for accurate placement of the pipeline and its features. Our GIS navigation system incorporates DLS parcels, roads, hydrography, topography and right-of-ways of foreign lines into the model, and simply zooming in reveals all of the detailed information you need.

Such integrated information makes site access planning simple. And the ability to instantly identify the GPS coordinates of any point on the map means quick and easy navigation to any site in order to locate and stake anomaly sites, facilitate other program operations, or respond to an emergency situation.

The power of GIS as a communication tool is harnessed through the compilation of field booklets, which include, for each particular investigation program, an overview of the entire line segment under investigation, an overview of each dig area (at a scale of 1:20 000), and a detailed image of each investigation site (at a scale of 1:5 000). These views show the aerial photograph(s), the pipeline, ILI log data, land owner information, and other relevant information provided in the GIS. Such a tool can be used by field crews, contractors, project managers, and inspectors to assess logistics and facilitate investigations, while land agents can use it to present their cases effectively to land owners and enhance relations.

GIS can also plot pipeline profiles, as well as show anomaly details and growth data, soil attributes, C.P. readings, and other relevant information along the length of the pipeline to illustrate the spatial relations between such points of interest.

A further value of GIS is its application in the development of direct assessment proposals / dig plans. It brings into the picture information that may not otherwise be apparent. Features such as water courses, foreign line crossings, swamps, residences, and other criteria that can influence the priorities of anomaly investigations are not indicated in the ILI data. Also, any potential changes or code requirements arising due to subdivision encroachment can be identified.

The geographically accurate visual model of the pipeline and its surrounding areas provided by GIS means you can see what you're dealing with instantly, so keeping track of the details becomes easy.

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