GIS Deployment and Pipeline Spatial Confidence Using ArcReader Michael Mixter BP America Durango, Colorado, USA
GIS Deployment and Pipeline Spatial Confidence Using
ArcReader
Michael MixterBP America
Durango, Colorado, USA
GIS Deployment and Pipeline Spatial Confidence Using ArcReader
ArcReader is used to distribute gathering facilities GIS data within a major operator’s field organization to office- and field-based employees. ArcReader was selected because it is an inexpensive, expedient, and simple-to-use solution to distribute previously unavailable GIS data to a large user base. ArcView with the Publisher extension produces "pmf" documents that are accessed either via the network (office personnel) or stand-alone (field-based personnel). Over 1500 miles of pipelines are included in the GIS dataset; pipeline spatial accuracy/confidence is reflected both in pipe attributes and GPSROW point attributes and symbology. Smart users are able to reconcile pipeline spatial confidence relative to the criticalness of their information needs. By combining ArcReader and effective attributing and symbology, users of pipeline data have easy access to the tools with which to view, and interpret the quality of important spatial data.
Context Map – Area of Operations
Introduction & OverviewIn mid-2005, BP America Durango Co (BPD) deployed ESRI’s ArcReader software as primary GIS data distribution mediumAlready had a quality, comprehensive GIS data set, but limited number of users with ArcView
Organization relied on GIS techs and paper maps for GIS information
ArcReader deployed for office- and field-based usersApproximately 100 new usersApproximately 150 data layers provide rich optionsSpatial confidence indicators coded into GIS
Smart users can reconcile spatial confidence relative to the criticalness of their information needs
Background - General
BP Durango gathers gas for market with extensive facilities – wells, compressors, and more than 1500 miles of pipeWorkforce is mix of office- and field- based employeesDue to facilities-based nature of business, GIS should be part of Information System toolbox
Background – 11 Year GIS History1995:
Comprehensive GPS field inventory performed using map-grade GPS equipmentRudimentary, CAD-based GIS deployed
Continuous evolution of GIS:GPS equipment from sub-meter to sub-foot accuracyContinuous refinement of GPS mapping techniquesGIS software to ArcView versions 2, 3.x, & 8.3
GIS data set expansion driven by:Acquisitions, mergers, consolidationsImproving software analytical capacityGrowing demand, increased application & user capability
Background – GIS Management1995 – 2004: Centralized GIS Model
One team managed GIS data set and applications on behalf of organization
Growing user base exceeded support capacity“Distribution and Support Bottleneck” evolved
2005: Change to more of a Distributed GIS ModelGIS data set managed and distributed by one group on behalf of organizationGIS applications distributed throughout organization
Individual teams have GIS techs using ArcView to support each team’s unique GIS application needs
Still needed GIS data distribution for casual user, thus the search for GIS data distribution software (DDS)
DDS Prerequisites & Considerations
BPD determined that GIS data distribution software should:
Support broad user needs, from planning to productionBe easy to use:
Simple, low-cost rapid trainingDon’t overwhelm and possibly alienate new GIS users
Be widely distributable to office and field personnel via desktop and laptop deploymentBalance cost and benefitUse existing GIS data set without disruption & changeMaintain established look & feel of existing familiar GIS data and symbology
DDS Option: ArcView Deployment
Mass ArcView deployment was dismissed due to:Large number of licensesDisproportionately large learning curve for reader softwareRisk of alienating new GIS users with new complex software
DDS Option: 3rd Party SoftwareLots of great third party vendor software on marketBPD impressions at evaluation time:
Pros:May be based on ESRI platformLots of functionality & broad sophisticated capabilityWeb-based good for office employeesUse live data
Cons:Web-based excludes field employeesImplementation lead timePotential complexity of system and training penaltyPotentially substantial costIssues: data conversions, serving data, admin supportFeasibility of future data conversion to other formats?
DDS Option: ArcReaderArcReader is free ESRI GIS reader software (Publisher extension purchase required)Reads a “PMF” file – Published Map FilePMF files created in house using ArcMapPMF files are un-editable dynamic/interactive maps
Pros:Can be deployed stand-alone to field employeesRapid deployment from ArcMap, low maintenanceSimple to use, simple learning curve, in-house trainingFree software, supported by major company
Inexpensive way to cultivate GIS user community and determine needs
Seamless integration with existing ESRI softwareEasy data updates to network users
ArcReader optionCons:
Limited functionality beyond map reading – lacks annotation tool, spatial query capability; functional customization not easyDoesn’t easily support generation of data feedback from users to GIS coordinatorUses snapshot of data vs. live dataUpdating field-based users can be a challengeMust create a one-size fits all pmf or a series of specialized PMF documents; user can’t add layers from data library, must use what is provided in PMFGood for quick paper field map generation, limited for display maps
ArcReader ImplementationBPD procured Publisher extensionQuickly published PMF filesPMF file and supporting layer files posted on network
Vector data - 6 personal geodatabasesRaster data - DOQ, DRG, DEM
Each network-based user installed ArcReaderNetwork users immediately functionalGIS coordinator wrote BPD-specific manual
Covered ArcReader functions, introduction to layers, GIS data set information and interpretation guidelinesDocument became template for training presentations
Deployed one large PDF file for all users with approximately 150 layer files for rich data viewing options
Logically organized into group layersSome data types displayed in multiple discreet layers, using definition queries & smart symbology
Pipe displayed by service, size & material, or statusRoads displayed by type, either color or greyLight, medium, or dark hillshade under transparent photo or topo layers allow variable terrain emphasis
Updated PMF and layer files posted on network or downloaded to stand-alone machinesUpdates done every few months, as subset snapshot of master GIS data set
ArcReader AssessmentUsed successfully within BPD for 1 year without surprises or disruptionsApproximately 100 active users, enjoy hands-on derivation of immediate resultsSignificantly enhanced how some employees do their jobsGIS techs free to work on more complex GIS tasksPaper map production decreasedNo performance complaints beyond network limitationsSuperior value – low cost, high functionality
ArcReader at BPD is the “90-90 What-Where”information extraction tool
Satisfies 90% of people 90% of the time to answer basic “Where is it?” and “What do I know about it?”questions
Limitations for BPD:Lack of ad hoc text and drawing tools
Would greatly support user feedback to GIS coordinator
Large PMF file with 150 layers opens slowly
Data Accuracy/Confidence in GISA perfect GIS dataset is:
Accurate to a stated standardConsistentComplete
Difficult to achieve in continuously evolving, yet mature GIS data setMapped underground pipelines always displayed in GIS within ROW, but…
How accurately within the ROW is the pipe rendered?Smart GPS data collection and effective attributing allows users to interpret spatial confidence relative to criticalness of accuracy needs
Pipeline Data Sources
Some possible ways to acquire pipeline data:Best - As-built survey dataVery Good - GPS positions from visual reconciliationsGood - GPS positions from pipeline locateFair to Poor – Inferred GPS positions or digitizing
GPS ground disturbances or other unreliable sourcesDigitize pipeline from aerial photo
Can’t always get as-built dataDrawings or data not always reliably converted to GISData may not exist, for example:
Poor file managementAcquisitions where no data provided
Good GPS practices in thefield are the foundation ofgood facilities GIS data.
GPS Techniques – ConsiderationsGPS points are as accurate as the source
Can collect an accurate position of a bad source pointGPS is consistently accurate; sources may not beA line composed of a series of points reflects the (potential) variability of the source pointsGPS underground pipeline mapping is inherently inferential, except where pipe is exposedBefore mapping underground pipelines, define in the GPS the domain of PI source types availableIn the field, note the source of a GPSd pipeline PI to reflect inherent confidence in the positionDo not use qualifiers such as Good, Fair, or Poor
GPS Techniques - Example
Pipeline spatial confidence can be noted in pipeline attribute table (OK), or reflected in GPSd PIs (better)Hypothetical domain of GPSd underground pipeline PI sources:
Locate – Pipe located with a pipeline locatorMarker – Pipeline surface markerOther – Other type of indicator, needs commentVent – Bored ROW/cased road crossing ventVerbal – Verbal instruction of pipe locationVisual – Visual reconciliation of pipe from open ditch or potholeWire Station – Cathodic test lead station
Possible confidence values for hypothetical GPSdunderground pipeline PI sources:
Visual: High Conf - unarguable reconciliationLocate: Medium Conf - pipe located, but not visually verified. Reliability of locate may vary with corridor congestion and pipe material/traceability.Vent: Medium Conf - indicates presence of pipe, though vent may not be directly over pipe.Wire Station: Low Conf - may not be directly over pipe.Marker: Low Conf - pipe marking is only as good as the reason supporting or constraint affecting the placement.Verbal: Low Conf - people’s spatial recollections of buried pipe are typically not as good as they think.Other: Low Conf - likely to contain uncertainty
Sample Pipeline PI Symbology
Hypothetical symbologyshowing source and confidence
Hypothetical symbologydistilled down to show confidence only
Pipeline PI By Source! Locate
D Marker
XW Other
_ Vent
[ Verbal
! Visual
! Wire Station
Pipeline PI By ConfidenceHigh!
Medium!
Low!
Sample With Pipeline & Symbology
Sample: Hypothetical Scenario -Evolution of Pipeline Mapping
Hypothetical Mapping Scenario - Operator buys gathering system in acquisition. No accurate map data provided.
Phase 1: Digitize pipeline on aerial photo for immediate renderingPhase 2: GPS immediately available Marker, Other, Vent, Verbal, and Wire Station pointsPhase 3: Locate pipe and GPS located PIsPhase 4: Subsequent pipe tie-in requires local excavation. Collect visual GPS points to unequivocally resolve pipe location.
Sample Progression, Phase 1: Digitize Pipeline on Aerial Photo
Sample Progression, Phase 2: GPS Immediately Available Points
Sample Progression, Phase 3: Locate Pipe and GPS Located PIs
Sample Progression, Phase 4: GPS Visual Points at Tie-in Excavation
Sample Progression, Phase 4: Detail of New Tie-in GPS Points
Conclusion
Many great tools available for GIS data distributionArcReader effective for initial data distribution phase
Rapidly grew substantial and competent GIS user baseLow risk and cost
When combined with effective GIS data confidence rendering, value is delivered every dayArcReader helped define the user baseArcReader may prove to be a stepping-stone to more sophisticated tools, but for now is the remarkably effective and venerable “90-90 What-Where” tool
Author Information
Michael MixterGIS Coordinator, North San JuanBP America Production Company380 Airport RoadDurango, Colorado, 81303Office: 970-247-6800Fax: 970-247-6825, [email protected]