The operations -based GIS implementation
Jay A. Johnson
Enbridge U.S.
21 West Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
1. Abstract
The Lakehead Geographic Information System (GIS) Project began in early 2000 and Phase I
was completed in January 2001. Phase I provides a comprehensive GIS system, delivered to
remote Operations personnel via a browser-based application. It provides a broad spectrum of
pipeline information to the field that was often inaccessible to them prior to implementation of
this system. The system delivers alignment sheet data, environmental data, landowner
information, pipeline integrity information, and mapping data, all in an easy-to-use application.
This application has received the enthusiastic support of the Project sponsors as well as the
Operations personnel who have been using it.
Although other departments of Lakehead were included in the planning and implementation of
Phase I of the system, the GIS browser application was developed primarily to provide
functionality and benefit to
Operations. During all facets of the planning and development a
Team of Operations personnel was involved. To the extent feasible, needs of the other
departments were addressed and included within the GIS System, including Environment and
Right-of-Way, Pipeline Integrity, Engineering and Risk Management. In particular, where
meeting other departments needs would also provide a benefit to Operations, we tried to include
the necessary functionality.
It is also important to note, however, that the GIS System, as now implemented, provides a
platform on which to build. All departments, including Operations, will undoubtedly find
applications which can be added to or integrated into the GIS System, or which may simply rely
on access to data and mapping housed within the System. This includes functionality which
may be added to the GIS browser application, or which may access the GIS system in some
other method.
2. GIS capabilities
2.1 Easily display map-based information graphically on a computer.
Pipeline facilities, land features, and geopolitical boundaries are represented by an accurate,
digital “intelligent” model in an easy to use, map-based application. These items are organized
by separate groups, or “layers”, which allows the user to view only those items desired for a
specific task.
This application combines two attributes of information technology that are rarely compatible,
power and ease of use. It is web-based, though currently available only over the Enbridge Wide
Area Network, and is accessed through a standard web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer).
This allows use of the system by Operations personnel at remote locations while minimizing the
need for expensive communications bandwidth.
2.2 View / analyze data geographically.
The GIS System displays pipeline facilities graphically via an accurate, map-based application.
The System also contains descriptive information tied to these facilities within a database.
This means the user can display, for example, all sleeves on the pipeline in a given area of
interest, and then look at descriptive information tied to those specific sleeves. This supporting
data can then be used for any purpose desired, including extraction for other programs, such as
Risk Management. Conversely, this supporting data can be queried or filtered based on any
attribute and then displayed graphically for review or analysis.
2.3 View facilities with geographic relationships.
Any given feature in the GIS System “knows” its location. This allows users to query facilities
and their spatial relationship to other facilities. For example, a given feature, such as a pipe
segment, knows what facilities are adjacent to it, what properties it crosses, or what county or
tax district it is within.
2.4 Continuous, logical model.
The GIS provides a continuous land/facility model. Although the data may be stored in many
files, the user can work with a seamless view of the entire pipeline system.
2.5 Alignment Sheet generation from GIS data.
The traditional use of AutoCAD for generation of alignment sheets places all of the facility data
and other information into AutoCAD files that are not directly accessible for any other uses.
The GIS System allows for the separation of data from AutoCAD files into databases. This
allows for use of the data for ad hoc querying, for specialized mapping projects such as those
done routinely in the Environment Department, and for extraction for any other use, such as
Risk Management.
The GIS System also includes all of the information necessary to produce alignment sheets.
The alignment sheets are now a report generated by a program that accesses the data, aerial
photography and vector land base included in the GIS.
2.5 Data / Mapping maintenance.
In addition to providing broad access to data and mapping information, maintenance of this
information is much easier and more manageable with software designed to automate much of
the work. Further, the PLM Activity Reports in Lotus Notes have been integrated with this data
maintenance software to further reduce data entry effort. With this integration, data recorded by
the PLM crews can be automatically loaded into the GIS System when the report is approved.
This results in maintenance to pipeline facilities, such as sleeving or new crossings, being
reflected on “web-accessible” alignment sheets within days of completed PLM Reports.
Previously this was done within approximately 2-4 years.
2.6 Data integration.
The GIS System was designed to integrate with existing data and systems. Examples are the
aforementioned PLM Activity Reporting System, the Landowners database and the Release
(Leak History) database. This takes advantage of previous investments in development and
data maintenance, while allowing for easier access to this information in the GIS System. The
GIS System generally provides easier access and querying capabilities than were available in
the native (source) systems and is available in field locations.
3. Specific benefits
3.1 Intelligent Pipeline Model
The GIS System provides an accurate “intelligent” digital pipeline model because the pipe
centerline is routed based upon highly accurate (+/- 3 feet) GPS (Global Positioning System)
survey information at PI’s (points of intersection), deflection angles, bearings and survey ties to
physical features. This is a much more accurate model than drafting in CADD format.
The GIS model also provides for tying the accurately positioned pipe centerline and facilities to
their descriptive information. This allows the system to easily display the information as well as
providing complete query capabilities based on this information.
3.2 Improved access to information
Prior to implementation of the GIS System, access to pipeline, pipeline facility, environment and
landowner information has been restricted mainly to hardcopy alignment sheets for Operations
personnel. There has not been a systematic process for updating these sheets with reported
PLM activity information. They generally have been updated on a minimum cycle of 2-4 years
for the PLM activity information. The map base information has generally not been updated at
all unless new construction within the same right-of-way has provided this information. Some of
this map base information is 30 to 40 years old.
The GIS System provides Operations personnel with access to multiple new, accurate land
bases information and accurate, up-to-date pipeline information quickly and easily. In addition,
the processes are in place to maintain the pipeline information within a maximum of 1 month
after PLM reports are completed.
The GIS System also provides Operations with environmental mapping and information, such
as environmental avoidance areas and wetland areas, on the same map base used to display
the pipeline information. Environmental avoidance areas are areas in which the Company is
obligated to abide by specific rules for access or avoidance by agreement or by government
regulation. Access to this information provides for greatly improved communication between
Operations and the Environment and Right-of-Way department on such issues as protection of
habitat of endangered species, avoidance of archeological sites, and obtaining required permits
for entrance to wetlands.
The GIS System also provides greatly improved data access in Emergency Response
situations. Flow directions, identified boom deployment sites, and directions for accessing these
sites (which are generally off the alignment sheets / right-of-way) are readily available from the
system. The system provides the ability for all employees to view the same map of an area in
an Emergency Response rather than relying on various hard-copy maps developed at different
times for different purposes.
