Optimal has developed proprietary software and data processing technologies that facilitate comprehensive determination of pipeline HCAs. Using a combination of digital imagery and third-party database resources, Optimal’s analysis merges comprehensive research that identifies property type and usage with spatially accurate mapping data. Optimal’s sliding-mile analysis and methodologies can be customized according to any client specification for Building Density, Identified Sites, Hard to Evacuate Areas, Outside Congregating Areas, and Building Footprint Projections.

Using proprietary software and techniques, Optimal has successfully demonstrated a unique ability to provide quality field data and reports that today solve many of the GIS data needs of the Pipeline Integrity engineer, at a cost that is considerably lower than existing methods.

Optimal Geomatics utilizes its proprietary Vid Tracker system to map existing pipeline corridors. With high resolution video data from downward looking daylight and infrared camera, as well as forward looking video and still photographs, almost all significant features in the Right-of-way can be identified. The real-time differential GPS component of the acquisition system allows operators to geo-reference imagery and derive coordinated positions.

Each project is processed according to customers-specific criteria, with the vast majority of data determined through aerial image interpretation. The characteristics of each building are studied in the various imagery formats to determine the building type, class, usage and extents. OCA (Outdoor Congregating Areas) are mapped along with footprints of HEA (Hard to Evacuate Area) Buildings. Where essential building data is not apparent in the video, data is researched from a variety of external sources such as USGS, county GIS, tax maps, paper maps, street map software, and other sources.

Although mapping and attribute picking is an essential part of each project, real data intelligence is only achieved after Class Location has been applied to it.

Optimal Geomatics has developed proprietary software algorithms to facilitate automated determination of Class Locations. This program can be customized according to any specification for building density, count and area projections. Based on individual building count, each building within a defined distance is projected onto the pipeline ROW and the consequence is calculated. Class Location Graphics can be generated directly from the program with customized hatching or color coding for each class.

Optimal Geomatics' Class Location software is equally applicable to first-time data processing and subsequent data maintenance/update tasks.

The major deliverable for each project is an Attributes Database which can conform to any spatial database requirement and is easily integrated with the client's GIS. Optional deliverables include video mosaic and vector map data (e.g. DXF). Video clips can also be integrated with the data set to give a "real-life" view of the ROW.