Meeting the Challenges of the National Pipeline Mapping System Through an Internet User Interface
Peter Gottfried M.S., M.B.A
President
Natural Systems Analysts, Inc.
1331 Palmetto Avenue, Suite 210
Winter Park, Florida 32789
Abstract
The Florida Gas Transmission Company is preparing to meet the challenges of the
proposed National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) by creating a user-friendly,
Intra and Internet-based geographic information system (GIS) system from existing
digital map sources. These digital sources were developed as part of an ongoing
pipeline classification study aimed at determining population trends surrounding and
density surrounding the existing 5000 mile natural gas pipeline that stretches from
southern Texas to southern Florida. The NPMS is being created by the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety to depict the location of
natural gas transmission pipelines and hazardous liquid trunklines in the United
States.
This presentation will focus on the 1) National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS)
system requirements, 2) basics of GIS, 3) conversion of existing digital data into GIS
format, 4) preparing data for serving onto the Internet, and 5) the creation of a userfriendly
client interface.
Although the initial goal of the GIS is to meet the needs of the NPMS, other benefits
will accrue in the areas of improved management and operations of existing pipeline
segments, emergency planning and response, identification of new natural gas
markets, and environmental permitting efficiency through Intra and Internet services.
Introduction
Maps are essential to a growing number of organizations and individuals. From
government agencies, real estate and development concerns to homebuyers and
environmental organizations, maps based on geographical and demographic
information are important tools in decision making at every level. Obtaining
appropriate mapping information, however, can be difficult and expensive. The
Internet is changing the way geo-spatial data is delivered to end-users. The web is
giving more people access digital map data and satellite imagery simply and
efficiently from one location without special software or hardware.
Natural Systems Analysts, Inc. is developing a GIS system for Florida Gas
Transmission Company that will allow Intra and Internet usage by field , compliance,
operations and IT professionals. Digital sources are being developed as part of 1)
ongoing pipeline classification studies aimed at determining housing densities and 2) developing of a database for the National Pipeline Mapping System.. The NPMS is
being created by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety to
depict the location of natural gas transmission pipelines and hazardous liquid
trunklines in the United States.
The end product will be a pipeline mapping system using a combination of ArcView
and ArcIMS GIS software from ESRI.
This presentation will focus on the 1) the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS)
requirements, 2) basics of GIS, 3) conversion of existing digital data into GIS format,
4) preparing data for serving onto the Internet, 5) and the creation of a user-friendly
client interface.
Although the initial goal of the GIS is to meet the needs of the NPMS, other benefits
will accrue in the areas of improved management and operations of existing pipeline
segments, emergency planning and response, identification of new natural gas
markets, and environmental permitting efficiency.
The National Pipine Mappin System (NPMS)
The U.S. DOT Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) administers the national regulatory
program to assure the safe and environmentally sound transportation of natural gas,
liquefied natural gas and hazardous liquids by pipeline. The Accountable Pipeline
Safety and Partnership Act of 1996 requires that OPS adopt rules requiring
interstate gas pipeline operators to provide maps of their facilities to the governing
body of each municipality in which the pipeline is located. OPS is also required to
adopt rules requiring pipeline operators to identify facilities located in unusually
sensitive areas and high density population areas, to maintain maps and records
detailing that information, and to provide maps to federal and state officials upon
request.
