Journal de télédétection et SIG

Abstrait

Application of LIDAR Technology in Oil and Gas Pipeline Route Selection and Optimization

Muhammad MBME, Ehigiator IR, Oladosu SO

The far reaching advantage of Airborne LiDAR technology in the acquisition of highly dense 3D spatial data for hydraulic modelling and geomorphic studies as well as route analysis, selection and/or optimization etc. cannot be overemphasised. Our aim in this work is to show the significant of extracting coordinates of linear feature from Airborne LiDAR cloud data obtained at low altitude and how these can be used to procure gas pipeline corridor mapping for effective design and implementation. Although the data so obtained can be used invariably to derive various environmental components and derivatives like: DTM, DSM, DEM, TIN, LULC map, contour map, profile map, etc. in accordance with what is demanded or the requirement of the end users. The terrain of study spanning about 27km is (swampy and waterlogged) rendering ground survey methods ineffective. Hence, aerial survey expedition with the aid of Piper Navajo PA-34 airplane coupled with other accompanied equipment were flown. From the point cloud obtained, 1,340 coordinate points were used to generate gas pipeline route alignment, profile and right of way (ROW). Subsequently TIN for the project area was consequently derived. Five route options with total coordinates nodes listing of up to 44 in grand total were extracted and used in best route analysis. Option_5 was selected as the best route after satisfying the conditions imposed for selection.