Improving Pipeline Construction with 3D Visualization

A 3D visualization tool using ArcGIS® API for JavaScript™ enhances communication surrounding complex pipeline construction.

Challenge: Moving Beyond Paper Maps and CAD

CAM Integrated Solutions, LLC (CAM) offers a wide range of engineering, procurement, and construction management solutions to onshore oil and gas upstream, midstream, and transmission markets. Communicating complex information about pipeline construction is a routine challenge CAM faces with their clientele. In the past, CAM was limited to using paper mapping and CAD to communicate construction and re-routing plans to their oil and gas company clients. These older methods of conveying highly technical engineering data were clunky and limiting. 

Solution: A Web-Based, 3D Visualization Tool

Knowing a more dynamic way to share this information would bridge the communication paths between engineer and client, CAM enlisted Argis Solutions’ consulting expertise to craft a web-based solution that offers rapid visualization and an improved approval process of pipeline runs and potential reroutes. Argis designed a 3D visualization tool using Esri’s ArcGIS API for JavaScript along with JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS inside of a SharePoint portal that speeds up the process of collaboration between engineer and client. This also provides a record of changes throughout a pipeline project for audit purposes, including local and PHMSA audits.

Result: Improved Communication

Now highly technical information can be quickly visualized and comprehended, improving client interactions. With this base technology, the subject-matter experts are working with Argis to extend the ability to support higher process functions, such as route cost estimations and other asset design placements like valves, tees, risers, launchers, and receivers.