Abstract: A method for planning, constructing and/or maintaining a pipeline system having a plurality of line sections, includes storing material data, for example, in a first memory, and storing data relating to pipe components in a second memory. A material may be selected, using the two memories, from line parameters assigned to a line section, a maximum permissible transversal stress is determined, an external diameter is selected and a minimum wall thickness is determined. The next largest wall thickness of an available pipe component is specified. A uniquely defined pipe class is generated for the line section from the line parameters, the material and the next largest wall thickness. The pipe class which is preferably generated by an EDP system in an automated manner permits a selective and error-free selection of a pipe component which is to be installed in the line section. A data processing system for carrying out the method is also provided.