Utilizing GIS and automated field data collection for F.E.R.C. filings and new construction
Gary Soward
Survey/Mapping/GIS Coordinator
Willbros Engineers, Inc.
2087 East 71 st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
Abstract
Willbros Group, Inc.has completed numerous FERC filings, engineered pipelines, embraced GIS
technologies and automated data collection to increase efficiencies, reduce timeframes, and lower
costs to it's client base. Willbros will present the overall process that is currently being utilized,
technologies deployed both in the field and office environments, integration of material
procurement, and cost savings achieved.
Technology revolution
When Willbros decided to step in to the world of computer-aided drafting and design our initial use
for the CADD workstation was primarily intended for piping and electrical applications.
What we didn’t realize was how much effect it would have on our survey and mapping program.
As the survey and mapping group began to explore ways to utilize this technology we quickly
discovered that by inputting hard copy survey notes into a spreadsheet and formatting it correctly
we could run a script file and automatically plot the route. It only took seconds as we watched the
route appear on the screen for us to realize the time saving effect that automation would have on
the survey and mapping world.
We knew, from our early experiences, that we wanted to continue in the direction of automation
both with survey data collection and design drawings.
From those early days until know the advancement in technology has allowed use to develop
processes and procedures that continually produce time saving benefits. The development of the
Geographic Positioning System and the availability for civilian use has allowed us to collect data in
real time. The advantage of this technology alone has saved countless hours of field survey.
The collection equipment that has been developed for use with GPS technology has increased
production and simplified our processes.
But to be successful from field to finish we needed to have a clear definition of how we intended to
collect, process and display data and we had to make sure that team members understood the
plan and our new philosophy.
We’re going to look at two key areas of our processes, Data Collection and Mapping.
F.E.R.C., Preliminary and data processing
We adopted a new philosophy of how we were going to collect data for a F.E.R.C. filling,
supplement that data for preliminary construction issue and process the data. The data also had
to be usable by project team members and since we use M.J. Harden to generate alignment
sheets it also had to flow smoothly in to their PipeView and SheetGen database.
To help understand the new philosophy we developed new procedures outlining the specific way
data was to be collected and processed.
Survey project setup
In the project setup phase we’re going to look at the project plan and define what’s in the scope of
work. We take the scope of work and if needed we tailor our standard procedures to meet the
scope.
Since all of our data is going to be collected in real world coordinates we need to find out what the
coordinate system is going to be. The data collectors are set to the project coordinate system and
the data dictionary is also loaded. We also acquire all project maps including aerial photography.
- Review Project Plan
- Establish Survey Procedures
- Obtain Project Coordinate System
- Project Data Dictionary
- Acquire Maps and Aerial Photography
Control network
The control network is an intricate part of the project. All data collected will be projected and
checked against the control network.
In preparing our control network plan a review of maps and aerial photography will help
determine the best locations for monuments. The type of monument, permanent or temporary,
as well as existing monuments will be reviewed. We’ll investigate whether we’re adding to an
existing control network or setting a new network. If we’re adding to an existing control network
a listing of the monument coordinates will be needed and a validation of the data will need to be
performed.
Once these steps are taken we are ready to mobilize to set our control network.
- Review Project Maps and Prepare Control Network Plan
- Determine Monument Type
- Acquire Existing Control Network Data Within Project Area
- Validate Existing Control Data
- Mobilize to Install Control Network
