GIS suitability modeling to support a pipeline route selection

Spatial information has always played an important role in the pipeline route selection process (Opara, 2013). The use of geographic information systems (GIS) to support the pipeline route selection has extensively been discussed (Church, 1992), and it continues to be an area of research as GIS technologies continue to evolve, data availability improves, and the criteria or conditions (terrain, geographic, geophysical, anthropological, etc.) are never the same for different pipeline projects. An effective route will have a direct impact in the pipeline life cycle from design and planning to construction and operation. An appropriate route will have positive implications in financial, time scheduling, social and environmental aspects. This study consists of creating a geo-processing suitability model to determine the best route for a future pipeline in the south of Peru, which would start in a known location in the Amazon forest, cross the Andes Mountains, and arrive at another known location on the Pacific coast. Because of the engineering, environmental, social, regulation constraints there are many variables to consider when identifying the route of a pipeline like: topography (slope of terrain, elevation), urban areas, protected areas, environmentally sensitive areas, archaeological areas, accessibility (roads), national projects, military zones, precipitation, mining activities, etc. ArcGIS technologies are used to process input information; a suitability geoprocessing model is the framework to determine areas suitable for a pipeline route, where a linear route is automatically generated. Output results are then shared among stakeholders using alignment sheets and web mapping applications based on ArcGIS. An iterative cycle approach is used, so possible routes are shared and evaluated by end users, and later feedback is used to adjust data or parameters and re-run the model to obtain and share new results. The loop continues until resulting pipeline routes are accepted.