OGP & IMCA issue new guidelines for GNSS positioning in the oil & gas industry
The use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for positioning is critical to the success of a wide variety of oil and gas-related surveying and positioning projects.
After an extensive review and update, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (OGP) and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have issued revised guidance for the use of GPS. OGP’s Geomatics Committee and IMCA’s Offshore Survey Division Management Committee were responsible for the work, based on a 1994 document produced by the UK Offshore Operators Association (now Oil & Gas UK). Representatives from the marine survey industry were also involved.
The new Guidelines for GNSS Positioning in the Oil and Gas Industry reflect the pervasive nature of the technology and the fact that GNSS is no longer specifically for the offshore industry. Though titled for use in GNSS surveying and positioning-related activities for the oil and gas industry, it could also be applicable to similar operations in the service of renewable energy, telecommunications and engineering projects both offshore and onshore.
The new Guidelines consist of seven sections. These include: an introduction summarising the global navigation satellite systems available and the observables; the relative and absolute positioning systems and techniques available; and updated coverage of the augmentation services that can be had from a variety of providers. Practical guidance is provided in sections dealing with installation and operation issues, geodetic considerations and atmospheric and other environmental influences.
Importantly, the new Guidelines retain recommended measures for assessing the quality of GNSS position fixes. The section on quality assessment and statistical testing includes examples and provides a comprehensive overview of the recommended statistical testing and quality measures based on the so-called Delft method.
Associated sections cover the recommended competence of operators and users as well as the various common data formats used for the exchange of positioning data.
Copies of Guidelines for GNSS Positioning in the Oil and Gas Industry can be downloaded free from www.ogp.org.uk or www.imca-int.com. Others, including training providers, libraries or other groups or individuals wishing to purchase printed copies can do so through the IMCA website.