The Pipeline open data standard association (PODS) has issued a position statement in regard of recent developments in Esri’s software for the transmission and gathering pipeline market. In 2014, Esri released new ArcGIS location referencing for pipelines (Alrp) that captures pipeline routes and linear events in an Esri Geodatabase. Esri has also released a new utility and pipeline data model (Updm) for customers that need a single model to support both distribution and transmission pipeline assets. Updm builds on the Esri gas distribution data model, embedding the Alrp technology to handle the linear referencing requirements of transmission systems.
The association observes that while it might appear that Updm competes with PODS, there are some key differentiators. Notably, the fact that PODS is supported by an association of operators and vendors with ‘a common goal to set the standard for modeling gathering and transmission pipelines.’ PODS ‘feels that this collaboration and knowledge sharing brings additional value to our membership.’ In consequence, PODS is working with Esri to see how the membership could use Alrp in conjunction with both the PODS relational and PODS Esri spatial implementation patterns. PODS is seeking volunteers for a technical working group planned for Q2 2015 to investigate the PODS/Alrp synergies.
PODS has also published a draft charter for phase 2 of its data standards for the pipeline construction workgroup. The joint PODS/Iploca* initiative seeks to extend model scope prior to handover by loading as-built data and documentation into an operator’s PODS database. The workgroup is also to demonstrate the value of digital data integration between contractors and operators with a new construction extension to the model.
Earlier this year PODS also adopted the charter for its
offshore work group which is to expand the current PODS relational
database model with new features and tables for offshore pipeline
operations. New model components will include a schema for subsea
facilities and inspections. Scope will cover facilities extending from
a subsea wellhead to landfall. More from PODS.
* International pipeline and offshore contractors association.
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