April 2011, Volume 2, No.

2
International Journal of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Developing a Framework for the 3D Visualization

of underground petroleum pipelines
Abdul-Lateef Balogun *, Abdul-Nasir Matori, Dano Umar Lawal
Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia
*
Corresponding author: geospatial63@gmail.com

Abstract
A common source of damage to subsurface petroleum pipelines is their accidental cutting by excavation workers, oblivious of the
precise underground location of the pipelines. Such blind cuttings have had catastrophic consequences in the past. Lives and properties
are often lost in the wake of explosions that accompany blind cuttings of underground petroleum pipelines. Because of their capability
to render accurate, three dimensional views of these pipelines thereby drastically reducing the possibility of accidental cuts, three
dimensional (3D) maps are increasingly becoming popular. However, one major drawback is the exorbitant cost of most of the
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) packages that support the 3D modeling and visualization of subsurface pipelines.
Furthermore, the advanced languages used in building many of these packages make it difficult for non-GIS experts, field workers,
and other professionals to relate with them. Since people from diverse disciplines (without strong GIS background) need to visualize
and analyze these subsurface pipelines on a regular basis, it is pertinent to develop a system capable of performing basic 3D
visualization functions, in addition to being user-friendly and highly affordable. This paper, which proposes a framework to achieve
this purpose, is part of an ongoing research on the subject matter.

Keywords— 3D, visualization, Petroleum, Pipeline, GIS.

1. Introduction [7].Many lives are lost because of the deadly explosions

The petroleum pipeline sector is among the crucial
industries that support the fundamental user needs in the
society. Similar to other important utilities like gasoline
and electricity, subsurface cables are needed to move this
essential human need from a particular location to
another. From Kuala Lumpur to Alberta, numerous cities
and towns across the globe provide underground pipes
performing similar functions. Because of the significance
of these petroleum pipes, it really is essential to come up
with effective methods of safeguarding them from a wide
variety of damages. Considering the tremendous influence
of this system on the human existence and well-being, a
pipe failure will most likely bring about disastrous
consequences, as would a prolonged repair outage. Past
experiences and reliable statistics have revealed that a lot
of pipelines become broken or busted when construction
workers mistakenly strike pipes buried underground, in
the course of excavation or other tasks which usually
necessitate digging the ground. This could be attributed to
the basic fact that a lot of existing pipes are depicted in
two dimensional (2D) formats and the contents of 2D
maps are not altogether precise. When presented to third
parties such as unskilled labourers, and even non-
professionals, the information therein is usually
misunderstood [2]. This kind of misinterpretations have
resulted in major accidents that include blind-cutting off
of water supply, natural gas, heat supply and so forth
that accompany such accidental cut-off of oil pipelines.
This limitation in 2D visualization causes it to be
challenging to properly comprehend or conceptualize the
pipelines underneath the ground; therefore, it is necessary
to have a significantly more robust means of visualizing
the underground petroleum pipes. To be able to fix these
recurring problems, three dimensional (3D) visualization
of underground utilities is paramount [4; 7]. Three
dimensional visualization of pipelines has since been
identified as an essential approach for the design of urban
pipe models since it can distinctly show the location and
spatial connection of all pipelines in a manner which can
be grasped by all.
2. Geovisualization of oil pipelines-justifying
the 3D approach
Oil pipelines running through the length and breadth
of several metropolitan areas are vulnerable on account of
(blank) numerous building constructions taking place in
and around the surroundings, likewise the likelihood of
developmental projects that will be executed in future;
therefore the most effective means to protect these
delicate pipelines would be to have the ability to visualize
them properly prior to the start of this kind of works.
Published investigations [14] have shown a disturbing rise
in the volume of damages of all sorts to these pipelines,
and several government authorities have arrived at the
 conclusion that the 3D visualization technique is without
a doubt crucial to enhancing the understanding of
underground infrastructure [4]. Previously, 2D
visualization was utilised in order to satisfy these needs,
however 2D visualization of underground utilities has
some limitations and draw-backs. As an example, map
distance in 2D is considerably different from the actual
distance in 3D which is measured linearly across the pipe
axis [13]. In addition, because the positions of the
pipelines are visualized on 2D maps, trying to
differentiate between pipelines with the same x,y
coordinates, but different heights is usually a challenging
and problematic task [19]. The implication of all these
tends to be that members of the building workforce
usually find it frustrating to recognize the exact locations
of these pipes anytime they are carrying out work around
them and this raises the possibilities of unintended cuts
and destruction to the buried pipes. Visualizing different
probable situations will give considerable insights which
could be hugely beneficial with regard to successfully
organizing construction operations, thus steering clear of
preventable accidents. Bearing in mind the steady growth
in the number of building projects across a good number
of metropolitan cities, a properly visualized pipeline
network in 3D is definitely going to be beneficial to civil
engineers, city planners, government authorities and
agencies, the oil pipeline companies, and all other
stakeholders in viewing the proper position of pipelines
before carrying out any digging or excavation activity. By
doing this, destruction to pipelines is going to be averted,
and members of the community won't be subjected to the
preventable discomfort and severe bodily injuries
resulting from explosions triggered by oil pipeline cutting
or burst. Likewise, tons of funds which had been hitherto
utilized to repair or change broken pipelines destroyed as
a result of blind cutting in the course of this kind of
construction operation are likely to be conserved.
3. Previous Studies
Since beginning of the ’90s, GIS has grown into a
sophisticated system designed for managing and
analyzing spatial and thematic information on spatial
entities. The demand for 3D information is rising swiftly
mainly because of the limitations of 2D GIS in analyzing
occurrences like water flood models, geological models,
Air pollution models [17]. A potent decision making tool,
GIS is progressively being relied on by a diverse array of
personnel from many different career fields for the unique
role of accessing, viewing, relating and analyzing maps
and geographic information. When merged with other
applications, GIS has the unparalleled potential to
manage, aggregate, quality-control, preserve, and secure
data. GIS Operations are generally categorized into
different components including spatial data input,
attribute data management, data display (2D and 3D
maps), data exploration, data analysis and GIS modelling.
Table 1 below shows the classification of GIS activities.
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Table 1: Classification of GIS Activities
Spatial data input Data entry: use existing data, Create
new data, Data editing Geometric
transformation Projection and
reprojection
Attribute data Data entry and verification Database
management management
Data display Use of maps, charts and tables
Data exploration Attribute data query
Spatial data query Geographic
visualization
Data analysis Vector data analysis: buffering,
overlay,
Distance measurement,
Map manipulation
Raster data analysis: local,
neighborhood,
Spatial interpolation: global, local
Region-based analysis
Network analysis, and dynamic
segmentation
GIS Modeling Binary models
Index models
Regression models
Process models
For a long time, experts within the GIS community
presumed just about every person visualising GIS works
is able to comprehend the 2D presentation of information
however this is not at all times correct [16]. Considering
the fact that our planet, the earth, is three-dimensional, it
is only normal that displays of GIS information ought to
progress in this direction too. Despite the fact that GISs
are evolving from static modeling in 2D to dynamic
modeling in 3D, it is estimated that a considerable period
of time will elapse before the earth is entirely defined
within a complete three or four-dimensional solution.
Apart from that, a 2D approach is arguably the most
economic alternative.
The concept of 3D GIS is similar to that of 2D GIS;
the significant variation between these is that data files
contained in the former are pertaining to three-
dimensional spatial phenomena [1]. Thus, it is expected
that 3D GIS will ideally possess the functionality to
undertake similar tasks as 2D GIS. Despite the fact that
advancement of 3D GIS appears as being sluggish, the
developments within this field are starting to be improved
upon as a result of a soaring demand for 3D information,
in addition to the breakthrough of new technologies [15].
Hardware accessories including processors, memory and
disk space gadgets have witnessed remarkable
transformations which leave them considerably more
reliable with regard to processing bulky data sets, most
notably graphic cards. At the same time, intricate
resources needed to view and interact with 3D data are
originating, albeit gradually [15].
While Computer-aided-design(CAD) software
programs are generally known for their historical
antecedents in managing information in three dimensions,
and their design centered on creating impressive 3D
editing solutions and effective visualization, a similar
scenario cannot be painted with respect to the
 advancement of GIS which tends to lay considerable
emphasis on database management rather than
visualization. It has since been realized that an integration
of CAD applications and GIS is actually of great benefit
to the two sides. Aware of their apparent inter-
dependence, the advancement of CAD systems and GIS
are currently shifting both systems nearer to one another
[11]. For example, while CAD is designed and imbued
with the capabilities to operate with 2D projections,
outline sophisticated hierarchy of attribute, in addition to
undertaking GIS-like analysis, the GIS community in
contrast desires greater practical 3D visualization, 3D
editing capabilities, and increased navigation prospects
[12]. “Fig 2” below presents a graphical description of the
integration of GIS and CADD.
Data
CADD GIS
Manual Automated
Process Process
Figure 1: The Integration of GIS and CADD (After Yelakanti et al,
2003)
Even though this newly established symbiotic
association between CAD and GIS deserves
commendation, it is necessary to take cognizance of the
fact that some obstacles remain to be confronted while
seeking to integrate CAD and GIS. The noticeable
differences between the data types and file formats
supported by these two systems continue to be a primary
reason for concern [12]. The main impact of this could be
observed in the complications involved in attempting to
export features between these systems with no data loss
recorded. For instance, the fact that GIS does not support
every single primitive which CAD supports will most
likely bring about a loss of geometry when exporting
from CAD to GIS [11]. The uniqueness of GIS lies in its
ability to store geographic and semantic data within a
system as well as to support analysis in both domains.
Despite these constraints, the GIS (DBMS)-CAD
integration has without a doubt brought about enormous
benefits within the field of visualization and editing data
files .By Having 3D pipeline data stored inside a
database, locating, editing and examining a specific
pipeline feature or attribute underground also becomes
less complicated, quicker, and hassle-free [1].
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4. Utilizing spatial information in managing
petroleum pipelines
While other disciplines such as urban planning,
environmental monitoring, telecommunications, public
rescue operations, landscape planning etc have met the
need for 3D geoinformation [15], the same cannot
necessarily be said for pipeline management ;most of the
existing pipelines today are viewed and managed in 2D
[20]. In spite of its many unique and flexible features, the
pipeline industry did not fully embrace the GIS
applications in its initial stages of development due to
cost implications and lack of awareness [18]. It was not
until the latter parts of 1980s that the pipeline industry
started adopting this technology.
Pipeline management, which is an integral part of
subsurface utility engineering (SUE) is effective when it
comes to identifying the placement of subsurface utilities,
establishing and recording the value of subsurface utility
information, as well as properly handling such degree of
information to be utilized in utility, roadway and site
construction. Several instances abound of construction
works which resulted in very costly utility infrastructure
repairs because of the non-availability of comprehensive
and reliable utility mapping details, which a pipeline
management information system (PMIS) may well have
offered [10]. Appropriate mapping of the underground
facilities does assist in keeping pertinent records of the
pipelines. Furthermore, it also assists in accurately
detecting the defects developed with the passage of time.
The final layout generated utilizing GIS tool is generally
referred to as a thematic map that will be adopted as the
primary resource for monitoring and locating the pipes
[18]. The integration of GIS with infrastructure
management Information system (MIS) presents a novel
and creative approach for making smart maps that can
dramatically boost presentation and communication of
spatial information. Considering the fast tempo at which
GIS is gravitating towards the 3D environment , it is
imperative to make available the requisite graphical and
information management technology needed to record
pertinent information on all buried utilities in user-
friendly, three dimensional underground maps. The third
dimension, i.e. depth, is vital for the advancement of ideal
three-dimensional models of all buried utilities. These 3D
models are set to play prominent roles in the setting up or
on-line replacement of utilities by cutting edge trenchless
techniques [5]. Hence, the need for 3D modeling and
visualization of these utilities.
The following criterions have been identified as
essential factors which ought to be present in-order to
have detailed, reliable models of real world objects like
petroleum pipelines [9].
1. The resolution of the rendered model should ideally
match what is perceptible by the human eyes on a real
visit or physical interaction.
2. For the acquired data, accuracy and noise level must be
sufficiently high, otherwise all subsequent processing
 on this data will be negatively affected. It also has to
guarantee that the accuracy of the final model matches 7. Stage 7
the application specifications. 3D modeling and visualization of pipelines
3. Data collection and modelling tools should be highly
automated in all operations in order to complete a Literature Review
given project in a reasonable time.
4. Generate efficient sized models, without loss of desired
details, so they can be viewed interactively by the
User Requirement Analysis
application software and hardware. (URA)
5. Overall low cost.
Regrettably, there isn't a sole system with the capability to
satisfy all these conditions for each 3D visualization Geodatabase Creation
case. Contemporary technologies enforce a
compromise considering that it is largely unlikely, for
instance, to obtain data with image resolution Storage of Pipeline
Data Collection features and other datasets
matching the tiniest detail on top of a surface within a
short period of time, or that we are able to achieve
considerable precision and resolution with full-scale
automation at a very affordable price all at once [9].
Data Processing & Analysis
Consequently, the aim of numerous research pursuits
is to seek out remedies to these recurring concerns.
This paper proposes a framework for visualizing
Export to CAD Check for Data
subsurface oil pipelines utilizing comparatively low- Modelling
System for better
Pipelines using consistency and ensure
cost GIS and CAD software thereby advancing a Visualization there’s no data loss
GIS programme
technique with an overall affordable price, which is
equally effective and reliable.

5. Research Model 3D visualization of

The research procedure will be divided into stages and pipelines using an
Ensemble of GIS and
these stages will be followed in a sequential manner in- CAD
order to achieve the laid down objectives.
1. Stage 1
Extensive literature review

2. Stage 2 Figure 2: Model for the 3D Visualization of Underground petroleum

User Requirement analysis to determine the needs of the
end users of the proposed model and identify the types of
data to be acquired.
3. Stage 3
Geodatabase creation for the storage of the pipe features
and other relevant features in a database. From this
database, various queries can be performed in-order to
extract vital information. I.e. what is the distance of a
particular underground pipeline from the earth surface?
Knowledge of such information before hand will help
field workers determine the extent to dig in-order not to
strike the pipes underneath.
4. Stage 4
Data collection
5. Stage 5
Data Processing and Analysis
6. Stage 6
Exportation of data from one data format to another i.e.
from GIS environment to CAD environment.
Pipelines in Perak, Malaysia.
6. Conclusion
The long term goal of GIS practitioners world over is
to make relevant data available to all people at the needed
time. Such data availability will be utilized in various
decision making processes thereby saving cost and
enhancing the general quality of human lives. This paper
has articulated the fundamental steps that will be adopted
in developing a much needed low-cost system capable of
rendering subsurface oil pipelines in cylindrical, 3D
formats. Due to its affordable cost, ease of use and
reliability, such a system will be readily available to a
cross-section of industry workers who intend to work in
vicinities with underlying petroleum pipelines.
The next phase of this ongoing research will attempt
to implement the proposed framework. Efforts will be
made to acquire and utilize substantial amount of pipeline
data which will provide an opportunity to see how the
system will perform when handling very large datasets.
This is necessary because many GIS visualization
platforms perform well when handling small data sets but
find it difficult to manage or manipulate large datasets.

138
 Furthermore, the proposed ensemble system will be
validated by comparing its output with similar results
from other 3D GIS visualization platforms. In the end,
this 3D visualization technique will go a long way in
ensuring that petroleum pipes are not accidentally cut-off
or tampered with by workers during construction or other
projects that require excavation works thereby saving
lives and valuable properties.
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