Using geological data to identify some environmental problems associated with existing pipelines and other linear structures

Pipelines and other linear structures often cover large distances across topographically and geologically varied ground. In the last decade, or so, geological information has started to become available in digital form for countries and regions. This enables a wide-range of users, including pipeline operators, to access interpreted geohazard information not only for the construction of new linear infrastructure, but also to assess a range of geological risks to existing linear infrastructure that might have been constructed before such information was available. Examples of the use of such information are discussed in relation to Great Britain’s national natural gas and ethylene pipeline networks and the possible raising of the Thames Estuary flood embankment that helps to protect London from flooding. Future developments in the provision of geological information are discussed, including bespoke information systems in which the outputs are defined by the users rather than the information holders