Abstract

Integrating GIS Processes With A Large Pipeline Survey Project
Track: Technology
Authors: Gavin O'Leary

Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group was hired as the prime land surveying consultant for a project consisting of construction of 27 miles of a natural gas transmission main line, gathering lines, and a compressor station for the Gill Ranch Storage Project in western Fresno County, CA. The project required surveyors to inventory and track nearly 3000 pipes used in construction. We utilize GIS to provide a means for quality control and creating as-built deliverable products. The survey process included establishing a CORS base to tie into a regional GPS-CORS network and collecting approximately 8200 data points. GPS enabled cameras were also used during the pipe inventory and construction process to take 5500 photos. The main discussion will focus on how survey data, pipe inventory data, photos, and field notebooks were all integrated to produce various deliverable products for the project. The fast pace of the project required surveyors to work closely with GIS specialists to ensure efficiency and quick response to the client's needs. Tools used to accomplish this were Desktop GIS (ESRI ArcMap), MS Excel, MS Access. Discussion will also include use of the GPS enabled cameras, QC processes, and data management techniques. Lessons during the project will also be discussed.