1. The document discusses how GIS can be used to aid in selecting optimal routes for transcontinental natural gas pipelines by analyzing cost and environmental factors. 2. GIS specialists use data to evaluate potential routes and determine the most suitable path between starting and ending points. 3. A case study found that routes developed using GIS facilitated greater cost reductions than manually developed routes.

1. GIS APPLICATION IN PIPLINE ROUTING
(TRANSCONTINANTAL NATURAL GAS PIPELINE)

2. INTRODUCTION
A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system
designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and
present all types of spatial or geographical data. The implementation
of a Geographic Information System (GIS) can have a profound effect
on management of large water and wastewater infrastructure assets.
A GIS-enabled Suitability Model can be used to aid engineers and
analysts in the selection of routes in large linear projects,
greatly enhancing quality control while minimizing environmental
impact. One such application is in routing pipeline.

3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Building pipelines to carry petroleum products is capital-intensive,
so determining the optimum route is critical and can be significantly
simplified through the use of ‘’least-cost path analysis’’.
Therefore by the help of GIS-based least cost path analysis, we can
produce more environmentally friendly routes, as well as reducing
costs by up to 15%.

4. OBJECTIVES
1. The primary objective is to select a location that is cost-effective,
environmentally appropriate, and meets the needs of the project.
2. PATH EVALUATION-GIS specialist analyze the route based on
information provided by the modeler (map of all constraints that
comprise the evaluation criteria for route
analysis). From the suitability surface, an optimal path for the
water pipeline is determined by applying an optimal path algorithm.

5. METHODOLOGY
1. GIS specialists and modelers use data and the information gathered
by the modelers to analyze route for pipeline that is cost-effective,
environmentally appropriate, and meets the needs of the project.
2. GIS specialist from the suitability surface, select an optimal path
for the water pipeline by applying an optimal path algorithm.
By applying the algorithm, the model takes a stepwise approach
between a starting and ending point and it proceeds to calculate the
most suitable route between the points by evaluating the criteria from
the suitability surface.

6. PHASE PLAN
Phase 1: Examination of natural gas supply and demand
In the first phase of the method, the two main conditions for
economic viability of the pipeline are validated :-
1. The necessity to secure sufficient gas supplies at the entrance
of the pipeline.
2. Demand at the targeted markets.

7. Phase 2: Examination of alternative routes
In the second phase the decision maker selects the group alternative routes. The alternative routes are then compared
Comparison of the alternative routes requires the
examination of large amounts of information regarding the
routes.

8. Phase 3: Selection of optimum route
This is where GIS plays an important role. Finding an optimal pipeline
route using GIS can be accomplished using a least cost path
(LCP) algorithm. Four parameters are required for a least cost path
analysis: source raster, cost raster, cost distance measures, and an
algorithm for deriving the least accumulative cost path. Finding the
least accumulative cost path is an iterative process based on
Dijkstra’s algorithm.

9. Comparison of GIS generated route and manually generated route
In a comparison of a GIS-generated pipeline route and a manually generated shown in figure above, concluded that the GIS-developed route facilitated greater
reduction in pipeline construction cost.

11. BUDGET
On an average cost of constructing and routing pipeline is
approximately under $300,000/inch-mile. These large-diameter
(24-36 inches) projects are typically 120
miles in length and cost $500 million.

12. RISKS
1. PROJECT PANIC
2. UNDER GROUND WATER
3. CORROSION
4. ROAD WAYS
5. RESIDENTIAL AREAS
6. RIVER
7. HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE
8. RELIABILITY

13. BENEFITS
GIS proves to be a key tool for pipeline management, based on
two strengths :-
1. Flexible and powerful map reporting capability.
2. Geo database as unique repository for geographic data related any type of records of file

14. CONCLUSION
Development of new oil and gas pipeline routes in coming years is
inevitable and selection of an optimal route is crucial to the
success of any pipeline routing project. An optimal route will
minimize economic loss and negative socio-environmental impacts,
in addition to enhancing the pipes’ sustainability and prolonging its
lifespan. . Empirical evidences suggest that GIS-based route
selection is more efficient than manual route selection.