Optimal Geomatics

Pipeline Products and Services

Optimal Geomatics offers pipeline integrity professionals cost-effective, field-to-finish solutions for transmission right-of-ways (ROW). Optimal’s aerial mapping technologies and in-house processing expertise combine to give spatially accurate, fully attributed data sets that allow operators to satisfy regulatory compliance directives.

Optimal Geomatics utilizes a highly integrated suite of sensors comprised of high-resolution digital cameras, infrared sensors, LiDAR (scanning laser), and DGPS. Together with our experience in the gas pipeline utility industry, we offer customers innovative products and services that allow pipeline utilities to better manage their assets and reduce overall costs. Please have a look at the list below to better understand what we offer and how we can help you.

Detailed CAD Drawings
Plan and Profile Drawings
Mosaic Mapping
DEMs, DTMs, DSMs
Accurate Asset and Feature DGPS Positioning Reports
High-Resolution Color Ortho-Rectified Photography
Asset inventory, Inspection, Positioning and Condition
Asset and Right-of-Way Inspection
Regulatory Compliance
GIS Database Management and Integration
High-resolution digital video and still photography
High-resolution, infrared digital video and still photography
Environmental Studies
Public Hearing Support & Presentation Material
Meteorological Data Collection

A broad range of technical know-how and thousands of surveyed miles to-date establishes Optimal as a leader with a track-record of delivering on-time results that are accurate both spatially and thematically.

Accuracy is Essential to Fully Understand Risk

Two types of accuracy affect the success in determining High Consequence Areas (HCAs). These are Spatial Accuracy and Thematic Accuracy. Optimal has developed auditable processes that can substantiate both accuracy types to the satisfaction of the most stringent auditor.

Spatial Accuracy

Accurate mapping of properties adjacent to pipeline ROWs and the true location of the pipeline itself is an essential first step in deriving reliable determination of HCAs. Many utilities have worked from inaccurate base maps and non-verified pipeline locations to determine their HCAs. This approach leads to a conservative application of buffers that, in turn, results in unknown redundancies or, worse still, incorrect classifications.

Thematic Accuracy

Proper determination of building type and function, according to Department of Transportation code, is just as important as spatial accuracy in developing HCAs, regardless of the calculation method is to be used. The impact of a missed daycare facility or a building incorrectly assigned as a place for public assembly, for example, could have significant effect on an otherwise well developed Integrity Management Plan.

Benefits of Accuracy for Energy Providers

The benefit of accurate data for the pipeline utility can be realized in contrasting ways. Both cost and liability are factors as to why data accuracy should be of significant concern to pipeline operators.

Cost

Optimal has shown on numerous occasions that removing spatial inaccuracies and calculating HCAs with a robust algorithm will eliminate the overall amount of Direct Assessment that needs to be undertaken by the pipeline operator.

Liability

Improper classification of HCAs due to spatial inaccuracy or poor thematic data can potentially expose a utility to unquantifiable liability.

Can you afford not to have accurate data?