Pipeline Survey & GIS

In-Line Pigging Solutions offers highly experienced and versatile surveying crews who comprehend the vital importance of conducting meticulous and precise pipeline surveys throughout North America. Our specialization encompasses Above Ground Marker Surveys, Dig Surveys, Depth of Cover Surveys, and Site-Specific surveys, all expertly supported by our in-house GIS team.

AGM Survey

A successful tool run starts with a well laid out AGM survey.

Above Ground Markers (AGM) serve as surveyed tool tracking points crucial for recording the tool's passages within the pipeline. These passages provide essential confirmation of the tool's location, condition, speed, and velocity. The precision of accessing and surveying AGM points during a tool run is critical for the efficiency and success of tool tracking. 

At In-Line, we ensure sub-decimeter survey precision to yield superior data results, contributing to greater first-run success, safety, and pipeline integrity management A thorough AGM survey guarantees a higher degree of accuracy in locating pipeline anomalies or defects.

An AGM survey is an important component of internal pipeline inspection. A proper AGM survey reduces the chainage errors and improves your ability to precisely pinpoint pipeline anomalies. Proper placement of AGMs is crucial to both safety and performance.

To ensure the best results, we collaborate with you and the smart tool vendor to determine optimal timing and locations for placing AGMs, even in hard-to-reach areas where our remote boxes can be utilized.

AGM Survey consists of a 2-technician crew. There is one Survey Lead and one Survey Support Technician. AGM Survey is typically performed with two trucks in a leap frogging sequence to create time and cost efficiencies.

AGM Survey consists of a 2-technician crew. There is one Survey Lead and one Survey Support Technician. AGM Survey is typically performed with two trucks in a leap frogging sequence to create time and cost efficiencies.

  • 4X4 Trucks: In-Line dispatched 4X4 half-ton or three quarter-ton trucks.
  • ATV: In-Line uses ATV’s to survey locations that cannot be reached by truck or foot.
  • Pipeline Locator: In-Line uses the FUJI Metal Pipe and Cable Locator PL-960. This piece of equipment allows us to find all pipelines no matter the diameter, depth, or weather conditions.
  • Global Positioning Software (GPS): In-Line only uses the Trimble Geo7X handheld data collector. With capabilities of 1-2cm accuracy the software packed Geo7X allows for reliable and accurate shots.
  • Misc: Survey crews will also be equipped with pin finders, lath, pins, and other pertinent survey equipment.
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Download AGM survey example

Dig Survey

A dig site survey is an imperative factor in the success of an integrity dig.

Many factors come into play when developing a site layout for a dig survey: site access, crop damage, wildlife habitats, environmental issues, other underground facilities, and landowner requirements. Having a surveyor who understands all factors impacting an integrity dig and has the experience to properly plan out a dig is essential to a successful dig site operation and integrity management budgets. Our surveyors have the experience to make sure that your dig site survey and dig site access are comprehensive and well-planned. Our team have years of experience locating and staking underground facilities within the safe work perimeter of a dig site. Therefore, we can provide sub-decimeter or sub-centimeter accuracy for your dig survey.

GIS Services

Digitizing pipeline surveys, sites, & specific locations for streamlined project management

We have the capability to collect, plot, and render Above Ground Marker locations and integrity dig sites in accordance with your company's pipeline GIS or pipeline integrity system's data dictionary and format. Integrated with field-collected photos and other pertinent information, our service offers your pipeline engineers a comprehensive understanding of the conditions at a dig site and the precise location of AGM markers.

We perform site visits and provide up-to-date documentation of your sites so you can accurately plan any project that will take place. Launchers, receivers, fences, and various infrastructure objects all play a part in your ILI project planning. 

  • Post processing GPS data for more accurate coordinates 
  • Digitizing AGM, Dig, and Casing sites 
  • Digitizing surrounding work areas 
  • Digitizing Launcher & Receiver Sites 
  • Emergency Response Plan Development (Route Planning & Access) 
  • Web mapping
  • Easy to understand site documents are accurate and detailed 
  • Digitized documents allow for jobs to be completed quickly cutting down on costs 
  • Organized site plans for ease of on-site execution 
  • We store all documentation for your future projects 
  • Our GIS services allow people heading to site to understand what environment they will be working in before they arrive to avoid any uncertainties.

Depth of Cover Survey

We traverse pipelines meticulously documenting depth, markers, risers, and provide comprehensive reports that unveil your pipeline's depth and coverage profile. 

Whether it's through a slew, a bog, or across a lake, we accurately locate the depth of your pipeline. Conducting Depth of Cover (DoC) is crucial in assessing the precise location of your pipeline, whether underground or above ground. This survey enables you to identify areas where the pipeline is too shallow and allows smart tools to correct their positioning, providing more accurate data for your pipeline. While obtaining depth information is vital, walking the entire pipeline also offers clients valuable insights into their infrastructure.

Accurate Depth of Cover Survey for water crossings is crucial information for pipeline operators and owners. Variables such as scour, channel degradation/aggradation, bank erosion, and encroachment are dynamic and continuously changing. Our services enhance your understanding of the pipeline environment, reducing the potential for unforeseen risks. This includes: 

  • River Survey 
  • Floating Pipe Survey 
  • Slope Mitigation Survey

Not only is getting depths on your pipeline important but walking an entire pipeline gives a client reliable information on their pipeline such as missing pipeline marker signs, gaseous smells, or exposed pipe.