Integrating Airborne Datasets Into the Design and Construction Planning Phases Available to Purchase

Today, obtaining field information in traditional pipeline design workflows rely on the use of conventional aerial photography, mapping and field visits. As a Designer, Engineer or Project Manager, a field visit can answer many questions and perhaps be the key to achieving a sound, successful design and installation. While conventional aerial orthophotography and mapping is invaluable during the design, it lacks a dimension that allows you to visualize the right-of-way the way you would if you were there. The use of Airborne Video and Oblique Imagery is not intended to replace conventional aerial orthophotography or mapping, but augment its use by providing a rich visualization that, in conjunction with the planimetric data sets, can aid the project team immensely during the design and permitting phase of a project. Currently, there are Airborne Data services available serving the pipeline industry that contain custom tools that either integrate into GIS platforms or operate as stand-alone proprietary software. These tools aid designers, engineers and constructors navigate through the video without having to sit and watch the whole video. In addition, video can be geocoded to specific pipeline or right-of-way features, such as a valve sites or stream crossings. Some tools even allow you to take rough measurements from visible features like fences or roads. Having such a dataset enables project team members to revisit any location along the right-of-way as many times as required to get information to finalize a design, permit application or to estimate the cost of construction. As Project Managers, we regularly face having new team members join the project at all stages of the project. Having a video to hand to new team members reduces the time they will take to get on board and familiarize themselves with the right-of-way. It also reduces the amount of field trips required just for this purpose. Another great use of Airborne Datasets is to use it during a pre-bid conference and provide it to the contractors bidding on the job. On large pipeline projects, it is unfeasible and impractical to have the project management team tour the entire right-of-way during a job walk, and there is likely areas along the right-of-way that are not very accessible thus requiring a flyover to review it with others.