L51774 Remote Sensing of Hazardous Ground Movement about Buried Gas Transmission Lines

Reviews the available sensors for monitoring hazardous ground movement. Our review was limited to airborne and spaceborne sensors for access, performance, and productivity considerations. It was observed that certain ground movement is comparatively localized, e.g., earthquake faulting, while other activity may extend for thousands of kilometers, e.g., frost heave. Accordingly, we have considered two operating modes for the sensor-platform system, namely, site-by-site and continuous corridor. To determine the suitability of the candidate sensors for pipeline monitoring, we have assessed the expected performance, operational aspects, and cost of each sensor-platform combination as a function of operating mode. Finally, we have developed a business model for (1) operation of the recommended sensor systems by fee-for-service contractors; (2) analysis of the collected data by image-analysis specialists; and (3) use of the survey products by pipeline engineers.