Pipeline Routing Model usingESRI ArcGIS Model Builder

Andrew Zolnaiwww.zolnai.ca

Objectives

• Simple, flexible model to determine pipeline

routes

• A collaborative approach

• Open to use with various spatial datasets

• A methodology that can provide an auditable approach

• Based on proven technologies

Data sources

• USGS Global GIS DVD

–Infrastructure (cities, gas fields etc.)

–Culture (road, rail, river etc.)

–Geology and land cover

–Slope and elevations

–Political and built-up areas

Geographic location

Map and model parameters

• Area of interest

– 41o49’N- 44o02'N / 68o06'E - 72o38'E

– S Kazakhstan across the border from Tashkent

– Gas refinery in Shymkent

– Gas field across Tien Shan mountains– Gas field across Tien Shan mountains

• Projection

– UTM Zone 42N, WGS 84 datum ,69 oE central

meridian

• Factors

– Map scale = 1:1,000,000

– Map grid = 500 m

Lay of the land

Vectors are first buffered (such as proximity to roads or rivers)

Data are read as rasters (such as elevation), or converted to raster (such as buffers)

Cost surface

Data are classified according to factors that translate into cost (such as granite or wetlands being no-go zones)

All layers are then superposed into a composite cost surface

Suitability model

All data are now grids.

(illustration from ESRI help files)

Each pixel of each theme is assigned a suitability value - in this project, the suitability values ranged from 0

Weighted overlay

a suitability value - in this project, the suitability values ranged from 0 to 20.

Some themes will have more influence than others.

A composite map is produced, showing the suitability ‘score’ for each pixel.

Weighted overlay

Using the cost surface, the least cost distance and directions are calculated.

These create cost directions from which a cost path is derived.

Least cost path

Finally a vector representing the least cost path becomes the proposed pipeline.

As many environmental (such land use classification) and physiographic ( such as slope) factors as possible were thus included.

Routing model

Following are slides illustrating the process:

- Cost surface

Illustrations

- Routing model

- Various views in 3D

A movie from ArcGlobe also shows the full context

Cost surface

Proposed pipeline route

ArcScene view NE

ArcScene view NW

ArcScene view SE

ArcGlobe view E

Results

• A costing model that can be made as

simple or as complex as warranted

• All data a geographically registered and accurate for important distance, surface and volume calculationsand volume calculations

• This is applicable to many other aspects:– E&P (seismic shot point and well positioning)

– Transportation (routing of ingress and egress traffic)

– Land use planning (positioning of various sites)

– Remediation (before-and-after state of areas)