A Central Database Improves Pipeline Projects

Abstract

Pipeline projects see enormous benefit from using geospatial information systems since a pipeline will commonly cover large geographic distances. In doing so, terabytes of engineering, geotechnical, and environmental data can be generated for engineering and regulatory needs. A central database allows the project to organize this information and provide a single source of truth. In fact, the central database is as much a philosophy as it is computer infrastructure. This level of organization allows a project to properly manage change, thus ensuring data integrity and security. When data is reliable and secure, its full value can be realized during the pipeline planning stage and even further leveraged through construction and operation.