DOT Co-Funded Satellite Program Kicks Off

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OASRT), formerly DOT Research in Innovation and Technology Association (RITA), awarded PRCI, as part of a team with California Polytechnic (CalPoly) State University, a contract and research funding for the development of a two-year program for the advancement of satellites in encroachment and threat detection monitoring along pipeline right-of-ways. This cooperative research program will draw upon the expertise of PRCI’s member company subject matter experts (SMEs), including those members who are currently utilizing satellite services, to provide a comprehensive technical oversight of the program. The project will include use of satellite remote sensing, geospatial data information, and readily available web-based datasets to enhance existing pipeline operator Decision Support Systems (DSS) for pipeline integrity management to support pipeline safety and reliability. The use of satellites can provide an efficient and effective means of monitoring pipeline ROW and detecting potential threats, including ground movement, before they impact pipeline operations. The team will validate Commercial Remote Sensing and Spatial Information (CRS&SI) technology for new applications in pipeline infrastructure planning, construction and operational management. Work was initiated in March 2014, at a kick-off meeting with PRCI’s contractor team, US DOT and other invited industry stakeholders.