Session: 04-03-01 Geohazard Management Program - Part II

Paper Number: 87104

87104 - Predicting the Future by Mapping the Past: Revolutionary Innovations in Lidar Change Detection Analysis Are Enabling Regional Scale Mapping and Identification of Threats From Geohazards 

Managing pipeline integrity with respect to natural threats requires geoprofessionals to consider how the earth may behave into the future. Predicting morphological change involves a deep understanding of geology, geological processes, climate change, and knowledge of physical changes that have happened in the past or may occur in the future. One of the most capable techniques for mapping changing terrain through time across spatially extensive regions is lidar change detection (LCD) with airborne lidar scanning (ALS) data.

There have been numerous advancements in LCD processing over the past several years largely due to advancements in data collection density and accuracy in combination with increasing computation resources. Much of the development with respect to data processing has focused on algorithms to extract the most accurate change detection results from terrestrial lidar data. The work presented in this paper highlights how advanced algorithms for processing terrestrial lidar data have been modified to process ALS data across entire transportation networks covering thousands of kilometres of pipeline assets. Our implementation utilizes a graphics processing unit (GPU) which can improve the speed of LCD analysis and digital reporting by 1000x. We will also present advancements in the delivery of LCD results using digital web-based and mobile platforms that utilize enterprise security and big data analytics tools to provide real-time, user-accessible, analytics on databases of tens of billions of points in secure environments.

LCD has typically been performed on a site-specific basis at known geohazard locations. However, with recent developments mentioned above, LCD is a cost-effective tool that can be used on a systemwide scale to aid in the identification of potential geologic hazards and monitor known geohazard sites for active ground displacements that may be impactful to pipeline infrastructure. It enables monitoring of hazards directly impacting the right of way, as well as peripheral hazards that are encroaching the right of way. This proactive method of identifying and monitoring geohazards significantly enhances the ability of pipeline operators to make informed decisions and design resilient infrastructure. The work presented demonstrates how over 40,000 linear kilometers of LCD analysis was executed and integrated with the Enbridge Gas geohazard management program to support proactive decision-making across the eastern US.

Presenting Author: Matthew Lato BGC Engineering

Presenting Author Biography: Matt Lato is a Senior Engineer and the Innovation Lead at BGC Engineering. His technical expertise is in the application of 3-dimensional remote sensing in geotechnical engineering. Matt is the lead author of the Site Investigation, Analysis, Monitoring and Treatment chapter of the Canadian Technical Guidelines and Best Practices related to Landslides, and an author or co-author of over 100 journal and conference papers. He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering at Queen’s University, and an Affiliate Faculty Member in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.