How GPS proved a cost-effective solution for the survey of As-Laid and Abandoned Gas Pipelines
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The accurate capture of pipeline location is integral to the construction, operation and proper maintenance of pipelines in projects like this. Whilst RTK GPS would seem to be the obvious solution, up until very recently it has not been practical in the utilities market for ‘everyday' use due to the complexities associated with setting up a GPS base station coupled with on site software limitations.
Closely in contact with Ordnance Survey, National Grid was aware of developments with OSNet - Ordnance Survey's own GPS correction network providing instant access to RTK (real time kinematic) corrections throughout Great Britain - and were keen to investigate how this technology could help them to achieve cm positional accuracy in the field. They also had previous knowledge of Trimble's GPS mapping systems and their UK distributor and specialists in mapping software development, KOREC. These advances in RTK GPS technology combined with KOREC's software development capability all pointed to the advent of a viable and cost effective cm accuracy mapping solution. Consequently a three-way consultation process between National Grid, their Gas Alliance Partner in the North West, Balfour Beatty Utilities (BBUL) and KOREC began with the view to setting up a pilot project.
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