A critical aspect of gas asset management is tracking, locating and recording pipelines accurately. Companies today use as-built information to manage and communicate the location of assets accurately.

Consequences of Inaccurate Gas Mapping

The consequence of inaccurate as-built maps can be costly and catastrophic. Gas crews or third parties cannot prevent damage or respond appropriately for repairs to faulty or damaged pipes. Also, the time it takes to communicate asset locations to third parties can slow projects and reduce productivity.

According to the Common Ground Alliance’s 2019 dirt report, pipeline strikes are on the rise. Striking a gas pipeline is problematic and costly in many ways. These costs include property damage, injuries, and human life.

Michael Newman, PRISUM’s VP of sales, shares a story about a potential disaster.

In one of the midwest states, a gas company was digging to do a service on a live gas line. They went directly to where their current as-built maps said the gas line would be. When they did not find it there, they dug another three feet over, and they did not find it there either. Only after the hole was increased four times, and the customer now had a 12 foot squared crater in their front lawn, did they manage to locate the line. Fortunately, this was not a disaster as it could have been, but there are too many news stories that relate to a much more horrible outcome.

Why You Need New Gas Pipeline Mapping Tools

Due to extremely complex networks, it is always challenging to locate deeper, non-traceable underground utilities with conventional utility locating equipment. Additionally, the wide use of new trenchless technologies in the gas industry can result in catastrophic outcomes and cross-boring situations. Neglecting to record accurate as-built maps will jeopardize future infrastructure builds.

Accurate mapping data is very critical for maintaining GIS databases, which in some instances is required by DOT laws mandating submission of accurately as-built information of buried facilities.

According to Santosh SK, PRISUM’s VP for strategy and business development:

It is time to embrace new efficient methods and innovative technologies to improve safety and provide a higher level of confidence in mapping underground utilities. The most recent advances in inertial gyroscopic mapping drastically broaden the applicability of the technology and represent a major breakthrough in mapping underground pipe networks.

New Technology for Better Gas Pipeline As-Built Maps

PRISUM has partnered with a Belgium company, Reduct, that has developed cutting edge 3D mapping technology. This new mapping technology provides precise 3D mapping data that works with any GIS software platform to provide the most accurate as-built maps. Through our demos, PRISUM showcases this new technology and show how it can help companies manage and protect their underground assets while also reducing operational costs.