Multi-Pipeline Geographical Information System Based on High Accuracy Inertial Surveys

This paper describes the GIS system developed for the Pemex’ pipeline network in the Valley of Mexico. The pipeline UTM coordinates, which are the basis of the GIS, were obtained from the high accuracy Geopig^® inertial and caliper surveys. The survey data also included information on pipeline features and anomalies, and was incorporated into the GIS together with the metal loss data from the past in-line inspections. The system is based on the ArcView^® GIS Software with the Arc View 3D Analyst™ extension that allows both the cartography and pipeline data to be viewed in 3-D space. It stores information on pipeline plan, profile, girth weld locations, dents, wall thickness, bending strains, metal loss and other features in relation to known landmarks such as roads, buildings, political boundaries and hydrology. This allows for very efficient and accurate location of pipe defects and anomalies, which is particularly beneficial where there are several pipelines running in the same right-of-way. It helps to eliminate unnecessary excavations, as well as to coordinate, plan and schedule pipeline repairs. The additional benefit of a multi-pipeline GIS system is the ability to store various information for all the pipelines in one database, which is easy to manage and update. The GIS also gives the ability to plot detailed maps, query data for effective solutions and visualize scenarios.