GIS and Pipeline Inspections

An ArcGIS extension created by Wish Software provides the tools to convert and view inspection video (specifically VisualWorks) together with survey data in GIS formats.  The extension integrates VisualWorks projects with ESRI ArcMap giving users the capability of viewing the digital video, the pipeline horizontal and cross profiles, and a 3-dimensional view of the pipeline laid on (or trenched) on the seafloor. 

ArcMap and VisualGIS

VisualGIS bundles two toolbars within the ArcMap extension.  The HydroGIS toolbar provides tools that programmatically extract the as-found pipeline and pipeline events from CSV files in the VisualWorks data directories, converting them into ArcGIS Geodatabases.  Using the VisualWorks Workspace toolbar, the Arcmap user connects to VisualWorks projects and pipline video and as-found survey data can be selected from either ArcMap or VisualWorks environments.

You can view a demonstration VisualGIS Demonstrationat the following link:

GIS & Offshore Survey

Within the offshore survey industry there are many that have not realised the full benefit that GIS has to offer.  There are valid reasons for this, not least of all that the really useful tools take months to develop before the benefits can be passed on. Those that are involved in offshore projects work to tight deadlines where resources are often limited. Data in GIS formats are becoming a regular end survey deliverable but GIS can be used for the other stages of the survey project. 

The challenge for GIS practitioners working in this industry is to identify the opportunities where GIS will bring about improvements and efficiency gains.  Aligning the correct technology is just as important to finding the solution.  Let us explore the GIS solutions to this sector and the technology behind the tools.