Infiltration Route Analysis Using Thermal Observation Devices (TOD) and Optimization Techniques in a GIS Environment

Infiltration-route analysis is a military application of geospatial information system (GIS) technology. In order to find susceptible routes, optimal-path-searching algorithms are applied to minimize the cost function, which is the summed result of detection probability. The cost function was determined according to the thermal observation device (TOD) detection probability, the viewshed analysis results, and two feature layers extracted from the vector product interim terrain data. The detection probability is computed and recorded for an individual cell (50 m × 50 m), and the optimal infiltration routes are determined with A* algorithm by minimizing the summed costs on the routes from a start point to an end point. In the present study, in order to simulate the dynamic nature of a real-world problem, one thousand cost surfaces in the GIS environment were generated with randomly located TODs and randomly selected infiltration start points. Accordingly, one thousand sets of vulnerable routes for infiltration purposes could be found, which could be accumulated and presented as an infiltration vulnerability map. This application can be further utilized for both optimal infiltration routing and surveillance network design. Indeed, dynamic simulation in the GIS environment is considered to be a powerful and practical solution for optimization problems. A similar approach can be applied to the dynamic optimal routing for civil infrastructure, which requires consideration of terrain-related constraints and cost functions

Suitability Analysis of Subsea Pipeline Route using GIS

The objective of this study is to analyze the least cost subsea pipeline route using GIS. A past project has been adopted in this research. The GIS-generated pipeline route is compared with the existing pipeline route designed using contemporary method. The subsea pipelines are used for hydrocarbon transportation from offshore platform to onshore plant. Criteria considered in least cost path are cost, pipeline routing criteria, installation method, safety and maintenance aspects. Factors affecting pipeline routing include bathymetry, submarine geographical features such as seabed conditions and slopes, obstructions such as coral reefs, wildlife preservation areas, as well as availability of existing services such as pipelines and platforms. Spatial Analyst extension in GIS is used to analyze all these factors through three basic steps and produce the best pipeline route through cost-weighted distance function. First step involves developing discrete cost surfaces in raster datasets from routing criteria datasets. Second step involves combining and weighing all discrete surfaces to create an accumulated cost surface. Third step involves developing least cost path between the source and destination along the accumulated cost surface. The result generated has shown similar alignment with the existing route. The GIS-generated route is 0.09km longer than the existing route. Although longer in length, the least cost route crosses less steep areas at length of three times more than the existing route. It crosses prawns' areas at 4% less than existing route as well. Therefore, the least cost path reduces the construction cost and increases the ease of construction as compared to the existing route. Hence, GIS-generated route satisfies the criteria of economical, least obstructions, safe and ease of construction in producing subsea pipeline route. Comparison between GIS method and contemporary pipeline routing method highlighted unique benefits of GIS that proved its feasibility in pipeline routing improvisation

A Prototype Path Prediction Tool

When a person moves through an environment he/she will decide where to travel based on their interpretation of the surroundings. This becomes important in search and rescue scenarios and military operations when a person’s route is of interest. One solution to predict this route is to model the way people travel. This paper documents the process of developing a prototype path prediction tool using the Python scripting language and ArcMap tools. The general model approach was to create a simulation based on a least cost path analysis restricted by viewshed analysis. While the concept is straightforward, creating the program proved complex due to the management of vector and raster data, and accounting for numerous application possibilities and variable combinations. The result was a durable simulation capable of incorporating a directional bias, observer height, travel speed, and the ability to accommodate a level of randomness

Suitability Analysis of Subsea Pipeline Route using GIS

The objective of this study is to analyze the least cost subsea pipeline route using GIS. A past project has been adopted in this research. The GIS-generated pipeline route is compared with the existing pipeline route designed using contemporary method. The subsea pipelines are used for hydrocarbon transportation from offshore platform to onshore plant. Criteria considered in least cost path are cost, pipeline routing criteria, installation method, safety and maintenance aspects. Factors affecting pipeline routing include bathymetry, submarine geographical features such as seabed conditions and slopes, obstructions such as coral reefs, wildlife preservation areas, as well as availability of existing services such as pipelines and platforms. Spatial Analyst extension in GIS is used to analyze all these factors through three basic steps and produce the best pipeline route through cost-weighted distance function. First step involves developing discrete cost surfaces in raster datasets from routing criteria datasets. Second step involves combining and weighing all discrete surfaces to create an accumulated cost surface. Third step involves developing least cost path between the source and destination along the accumulated cost surface. The result generated has shown similar alignment with the existing route. The GIS-generated route is 0.09km longer than the existing route. Although longer in length, the least cost route crosses less steep areas at length of three times more than the existing route. It crosses prawns' areas at 4% less than existing route as well. Therefore, the least cost path reduces the construction cost and increases the ease of construction as compared to the existing route. Hence, GIS-generated route satisfies the criteria of economical, least obstructions, safe and ease of construction in producing subsea pipeline route. Comparison between GIS method and contemporary pipeline routing method highlighted unique benefits of GIS that proved its feasibility in pipeline routing improvisation

Application and Development of Advanced Engineering Geographical Information Systems for Pipeline Design

This thesis proposes the use of an Advanced Engineering Geographical Information System (AEGIS) for the improved design of onshore pipelines, from concept to operation. The system is novel in that it is function rather than discipline or software specific. The thesis statement has been developed, and an aim and set of research objectives identified (along with the success criteria for the evaluation of the system), based on a review of current pipeline design methods. Drawing on a design science research methodology (DSRM), the thesis proposes the development of the system as an artefact in order to validate the proposed constructs, models, methods and implementations. The thesis discusses the underlying issues of data interoperability, the application of open data standards, and the integration of computer aided design (CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS). These challenges are addressed in the thesis and demonstrated through the implementation of the system. To support the development of the system, research was undertaken in the fields of pipeline engineering, environmental engineering and engineering design. As part of this research, a number of peer-reviewed journal papers were published, and conference papers presented in Kampala, Houston, London and Split. These papers covered the key fields contained in the thesis including, fluid mechanics, bio-systems engineering, environmental engineering,CAD/GIS integration (CGI), and the application and development of geospatial pipeline data models. The thesis concludes that the approach is valid, offering significant improvement across all fields compared to the current method of pipeline design. By taking a functional approach to the challenges of the design of pipelines, a system has been developed that addresses the requirements of the pipeline engineer, environmental engineer and engineering designer. The system enables the user to select the software of their choice, thereby reducing the problems associated with data interoperability, retraining and system integration. The sharing of data and outputs from analysis carried out within the system, provides an integrated approach, which can subsequently be used for the integrity management of the pipeline during the operational phase of the project. The scope for further development of this approach to pipeline design is also discussed. In addition to the inclusion of further engineering and environmental analysis, there is the potential for using the system for the design of subsea pipelines