Abstract: This invention relates to a method of spatially integrating multiple pipeline datasets. The method involves weld matching multiple inline inspection datasets by selecting one dataset as master and designated the other datasets as slaves, then spatially slaving the weld positions in the slaves to the weld positions in the master. After the weld matching process is completed, the method repositions the other data in the slave datasets relative to the master datasets, and which itself was previously spatially fit against a centreline model.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a method for managing the integration of multiple pipeline datasets into a combined dataset or superset otherwise known as an asset survey. As each dataset is integrated into the asset survey a data management module is responsible for setting the status field of each feature point dependant on its relative age, source, name and type. The field “status” has five distinct states; active, inactive, archived, super inactive and super active. Active is representative of the latest and most accurate condition of the pipeline. Inactive indicates that the record has either been superseded by better data or the record is from new data and has not yet been validated as accurate. Archived indicates the record is associated with a piece of pipe that was removed from service (i.e. cut out of the pipeline).