PHMSA migrates 510,917-mile NPMS database to PODS.

PHMSA has completed the migration of the 510,917-mile National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) Database to PODS.  This large dataset is visible to the general public via the Public View application on www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov.

By utilizing the PODS Data Model, PHMSA is now able to track attributes in a pipe-centric, rather than operator-centric, manner.   This enables PHMSA to research changes to a pipe segment through the years, differentiate operator performance from pipeline performance, detect changes between an operator's current submission and  previous NPMS submissions, and to query the database for either the current derived layer, or for historic data.

PODS Joint Standards Development

The PODS Association has signed a strategic agreement with Energistics to serve as the basis for joint standards development, for the benefit of its member companies, and the pipeline industry at large.  The PODS Association is also working with NACE International on a similar agreement.

Energistics is a global not-for-profit consortium uniquely designed to unite upstream oil and natural gas industry professionals in a neutral and collaborative facilitation environment to develop and deploy open data exchange standards, and to address E&P information challenges.  Membership consists of integrated, independent and national oil companies, oilfield service companies, hardware and software vendors, system integrators, regulatory agencies and the global standards user community.

NACE International was originally known as "The National Association of Corrosion Engineers" established in 1943.  NACE International has grown to more than 25,000 members in over 100 countries. Built upon decades of knowledge and expertise from dedicated members all around the world, NACE International is involved in every industry and area of corrosion prevention and control, from chemical processing and water systems, to transportation and infrastructure protection.

Update on One-Call and Damage Prevention Sub-Models

The PODS One-Call Tables were developed to capture One Call Tickets (tickets) received, to record the buffer or grid areas surrounding the pipeline which has been submitted by the Operator to the local One Call Center, to capture the operator's response to the tickets received, and to provide a mechanism of associating One Call Tickets with with pipeline facilities.

The Damage Prevention Tables were developed to capture actual and near-miss or potential damage reports that may be caused by physical, mechanical, and natural (such as lightning strike) events.  The table definitions are based on the Common Ground Alliance Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) table.

These sub-models have been approved by the PODS Technical Committee for incorporation in the PODS 5.1 Release, which is scheduled for a 6-week member-comment period to be held in 1Q11. 

New Member Spotlight
Surveying And Mapping, Inc.

Surveying And Mapping, Inc. (SAM, Inc.) is a Texas-based firm providing complete Pipeline Surveying, Aerial Mapping, and Subsurface Utility Engineering services for the upstream, midstream and downstream industry.

With over 250 employees, including 34 Registered Surveyors and fielding 56 Pipeline Survey Crews, our Pipeline Surveying Group is staffed and equipped for projects of any size and complexity. Op-Qual Certified and DOT Compliant, SAM, Inc. has extensive corridor mapping experience delivered in client specified formats - Blue Sky AlignDB, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and ArcGIS.

SAM, Inc.'s Aerial Mapping Group is staffed with experienced photogrammetrists and technicians, operating the latest digital photogrammetric workstations. SAM Inc. also provides comprehensive LIDAR acquisition and data processing services, which include aerial data acquisition from both fixed wing aircraft and helicopter as well as land based acquisition from fixed and mobile platforms.

Providing mapping services to the pipeline industry across the United States and Canada - SAM, Inc. has the resources, qualifications, and experience for successful projects.