Planning Routes Dynamically with Geo-Referencing Tools

The planning of pipeline routes in both ujrban and rural environments introduced complex inter-relationship and potential conflicts with various utilities, environmental features, crossings, sites, and sizing of appurtenances and structures along the alignment. Many engineers/planners begin the pipeline planning process with a desktop study of a potential route utilizing topographic maps, aerial photography, and utility research. However, the alignment inevitably changes after an engineering and environmental alignment walk-through. Oftentimes, the alignment experiences several iterative renditions. In lieu of rolling up all the maps and information and heading out to the field, a digital data collection device that operates on a Smartphone with geo-referencing capabilities was utilized. The device digitally records real time alignment changes that are dynamically made in the field as observations are made and noted during the walk-through. Additionally, the device allows for speech-to-text notes as well as photographic documentation to be developed, logged, and geo-referenced to any spot along the alignment. The use of real-time logging and geo-referencing greatly increases accuracy of field notes and observations documented in the field. This paper will provide an overview of the software utilized in addition to describing the applications and potential uses of geo-referencing devices as real time data loggers for future operation and maintenance of the pipeline system.