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uild an intelligent pipeline centerline
PODS, the recognized industry standard for
pipeline data storage and interchange.
www.pods.org

what is the PODS pipeline data model?
“PODS is mission critical”
The PODS Pipeline Data Model provides the database architecture Pipeline Operators
use to store critical information and analysis data about their pipeline
systems, and to manage this data geospatially in a linear-referenced database which can
then be visualized in any GIS platform.
PODS stores asset specifications, inspections, integrity, regulatory compliance, risk, historic,
operational and geographic information, to support the visualization, analysis, and
systematic decision making required for responsible pipeline management.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What PODS does for pipeline companies............................... 1
PODS, a fundamental component of a pipeline GIS............ 2
PODS implementation methods................................................ 3
PODS Relational............................................................................ 4
PODS ESRI Spatial........................................................................ 5
What data does PODS manage?.............................................6-7
How are companies leveraging PODS?............................... 8-9
Components of the PODS Pipeline Data Model............ 10-11
Evolution of the PODS Pipeline Data Model........................12
Collaborating to develop Industry Best Practices..............13
The PODS Association............................................................... 14
Structure of the PODS Association......................................... 15
PODS Mission Statement........................................................... 16
PODS Documentation................................................................ 17
Benefits of PODS membership........................................... 18-19
How to join PODS?.....................................................................20
How to contact PODS?.....................................................21

what PODS does for pipeline companies
• PODS delivers a comprehensive and robust pipeline data architecture
which meets the information and technological requirements of today’s pipeline
companies.
•
PODS lowers the risk, cost, and time required to implement a
pipeline GIS. Maintaining a single pipeline data repository helps Pipeline
Operators to improve the quality, quantity and timeliness of pipeline information
managed. Providing clear, concise definitions, and the ability to clearly delineate data
ownership, PODS promotes better business processes and work flows, and reduces data
transfer between software applications and multiple databases.
• PODS leverages a broad knowledge-base, across multiple pipeline operating
companies and service providers, who have worked collaboratively since 1998 to
develop and refine the PODS Pipeline Data Model, deemed the best-practice pipeline
data architecture in the industry.
•
PODS is an Open Standard. This allows multiple vendors to develop software
products to interact with the PODS database. Pipeline Operators can choose software
applications based on features, cost, and usability, rather than being tied to a single
vendor’s proprietary data model.
• PODS supports the growing needs of the pipeline industry through effective and
collaborative efforts. Membership immediately networks you into a global PODS
community, and access to a wealth of technical knowledge and experience
from other PODS members is made available to you.
1

the pods pipeline data model is a fundamental component
of a pipeline geographic information system (gis)
Safety,
Reliability,
Compliance
Integrity
Management
Data Management
Data standards (PODS) are the
foundation for quality data management
practices. Good data management
practices are necessary for integrity
management, improved safety, reliability,
and regulatory compliance.
Data Standards
PODS stores pipeline geographic locations, asset specifications, inspections, integrity,
regulatory compliance, risk analysis, operational, and historic data to support the
visualization, analysis, and systematic decision making required for responsible pipeline
management. Pipeline Operators use PODS to manage, verify, analyze, maintain, and deliver
relevant information quickly and reliably to end users and applications.
2

PODS implementation methods
the PODS pipeline data model may be implemented as either
a relational database or a geodatabase.
The PODS Relational Database may be implemented on either Oracle or SQL Server RDBMS
platforms. The PODS Relational Database has the capacity to store a variety of spatial content
and to interface with a multitude of GIS platforms.
The PODS ESRI Spatial Geodatabase has been specifically developed for implementation as
an object-relational ESRI Geodatabase for use with ESRI’s ArcGIS® and ArcSDE® products.
Unlike the PODS Relational Database, PODS ESRI Spatial can only be implemented with ESRI
technology.
Each company selects the PODS implementation method best suited to their
organization. This decision may be based on factors such as existing IT infrastructure,
centralized or regional deployment, planned integration across their organization, user
community expertise, and the selection of available software applications.
3

PODS relational
While pipelines are clearly linear objects, PODS Relational stores the linear nature of the
pipeline centerline deconstructed into sequenced (X, Y, Z) coordinates. This allows PODS
Relational to utilize the inherent functionality found in modern Relational Database
Management Systems (RDBMS).
While the PODS Relational model provides GIS neutrality, it is usually spatially enabled
with a GIS system. This allows PODS Relational to easily integrate with other IT systems and
databases. PODS Relational is the most widely deployed enterprise implementation of the
PODS Data Model.
PODS includes more than 670 tables that can be categorized into the four functional groups as
listed below.
• The Core Tables store the pipeline hierarchy and include Line, Route, Series and
Station Point. The Core Tables also define the linear distances, or stationing, used
to reference the location of Events on the pipelines. The Core Tables also store the
instructions that control how individual components are re-assembled into a pipeline
centerline.
•
The Location Tables store the centerline of the pipeline, as well as the GPS
coordinates of specified features, including offline features. The Location Tables also
serve as the translation point between the PODS Relational Database and a Geographic
Information System (GIS). The PODS Relational Database has the capacity to store a
variety of spatial content and to interface with a multitude of GIS platforms.
• The Event Tables store the information about the pipelines such as pipeline
specifications and features, operational measures, integrity and inspection results,
geographic features, repair and maintenance history, analysis records, and regulatory
compliance information. These data records are stored as either linear or point
features. The Event Tables also provide a mechanism to link to external documents
through the PODS database.
•
The Code Look-up Tables are used to limit entries in certain fields to
predetermined sets of allowable values. The Pipeline Operator typically determines the
values for the Code Look-up Tables early in the implementation process. Operators can
use company-specific values, example values provided by PODS for some tables, or a
combination of the two.
4

PODS esri spatial
The PODS ESRI Spatial model is a derivative of the PODS Relational model, but designed
for implementation as an object-relational ESRI geodatabase. PODS ESRI Spatial contains the
tables, attributes and domains of the PODS Relational model, but is designed specifically for an
ESRI SDE deployment.
The PODS ESRI Spatial model was designed to leverage advantages inherent in ESRI
Geodatabase technology, including:
• The object-relational structure of the PODS ESRI
Spatial Geodatabase precludes the need to
manage synchronization between the relational
database and a separate GIS system.
• Data versioning
• History tracking
• Storage of offline spatial data (such as
roads, water bodies or structures)
• Geoprocessing tools
• Linear referencing
• Interoperability with other geographic data sets
5

what data does PODS manage?
PODS-member companies have worked collaboratively since 1998 to develop and
refine the PODS Pipeline Data Model to meet the data management needs of today’s pipeline
companies. Technological advancements in inspection, integrity and risk analysis, GIS, field
data collection, and information management technologies have been incorporated into PODS
as they have become available.
some of the categories of data managed within a PODS database:
• Pipeline Centerline Geographic Location
• Pipeline Asset Specifications
• Design and Construction Data
• Regulatory Compliance Information
• Construction Inspection Data
• Risk Analysis Data and Results
6

what data does PODS manage?
• Physical Inspections
• Close Interval Surveys
• Crossings
• Stress Corrosion Cracking Potential
• Leak Surveys
• Operating Measures
• Offshore Facilities
• Compressors and Pumps
• Equipment Maintenance and Inspections
• Repairs
• Offline Events
• Site Facilities
• Land Ownership and Right-of-way (ROW)
• Links to External Documents
• One Call Tickets
• Pipeline Damage
• Cathodic Protection Facilities and Inspections
• Inline Inspections (ILI)
• MAOP Records and Analysis Data
• In-service Dates
7

how are companies leveraging PODS?
PODS provides a singular integration platform for managing pipeline data. A PODS
deployment bridges departmental and geographic boundaries, and eliminates data silos, to
enhance productivity, timeliness, accuracy, and automation.
“PODS provides a standard way for collecting, maintaining,
managing, and reporting pipeline data.”
Pipeline Operators use PODS to improve data management practices, and have integrated
PODS on an enterprise level to support key business processes and work flows, including:
• Regulatory Submissions and Audits
• Integrity Management
• Spatial Analysis
• Corrosion Prevention
• Regulatory Compliance
• Business Development
• Strategic Planning
• Risk Analysis
• Pipeline Damage Prevention
• Emergency Response Planning
• Engineering and Field Operations
8

how are companies leveraging PODS?
• Web-based Mapping
• Right-of-Way Management
• Financial and Property Tax Accounting
• Hydraulic Modeling
• Field Data Collection and Verification
• Public Awareness
• Repairs and Maintenance
• One Call Ticket and Boundary Analysis
• Spill Impact Analysis
• Class Location and Gas HCA Analysis
• Work Management
• Situational Awareness
• Mobile Field Data Access
9

Location
The Location Tables
store geographic locations
and coordinate information.
The Event Tables store the pipeline
specifications and features, operational
measures, integrity and inspection results,
crossings, repair and maintenance history,
analysis results, and regulatory compliance
information.
The Code Look-up Tables (not shown
on the main PODS diagram) are used to
limit entries in certain fields to predetermined
sets of allowable values.
10

Components of the PODS pipeline data model
Stationed Centerline
The Core Tables store the pipeline
hierarchy and include Line, Route,
Series and Station Point.
11

Evolution of the PODS pipeline data model
Since its inception, the PODS Association has supported continued development of the PODS
Pipeline Data Model in order to meet the evolving needs of pipeline operating companies.
Government regulation and technological advancement of integrity and risk management
applications has driven much of this progress.
Below is a brief overview of how the PODS Pipeline Data Model has been expanded to meet the
continually growing needs of pipeline companies.
ISAT
1995
PODS 2.0
1998
PODS 3.2
2004
PODS 4.0
2006
PODS 5.0
2009
PODS 5.1
2011
Tables 72 184 453 645 652 678
Sub-Models 0 48 146 198 198 203
Columns - 1,080 3,228 4,888 4,843 1 5,171
1
Reduced because ID columns were dropped.
PODS 6.0 (4Q2012)
The next release of the PODS Data Model (6.0) will offer new PODS implementations
the option to customize their deployment of the model to suit their company’s specific
objectives. In PODS 6.0, the model has been modularized so that only the Core Module is
required, and all other modules are optional.
Modularization will help new member companies reduce complexity by allowing them
to select just the parts of the model they wish to deploy. Modularization also positions the
Association to incrementally improve the model via minor releases to individual modules,
to release targeted modules with functions specific to regional or industrial segments, and
to provide more timely updates to the model.
12

collaborating to develop industry best practices
There are numerous and far-reaching benefits to the pipeline industry in the establishment of
non-proprietary (open) data standards and best practices.
The PODS Association works with industry partner organizations to provide a framework for
industry stakeholders to work collaboratively to develop data standards for the benefit of the
pipeline industry as a whole.
PODS establishes chartered Work Groups consisting of PODS member companies, industry
organizations (such as NACE), and other interested parties to work jointly on these projects.
The collaboratively-developed standards typically govern data structures and formats to enable
electronic integration of data, standardized collection scope and format, and to allow for
comparison of data gathered for a given pipeline segment at different times, regardless of the
software system used to collect it.
PODS work groups have included:
• External Corrosion Direct Assessment (ECDA)
• Inline Inspection (ILI)
• One Call and Damage Prevention
• PODS ESRI Spatial
• PODS Oracle Spatial
some recently announced PODS work groups include:
• Alternate Referencing
• PODS Gas Distribution Model (GDM)
• Data Standards for New Construction
13

the PODS association
The PODS Association was created in 1998 to develop and support open data storage and
interchange standards to meet the specific data management needs of pipeline companies.
PODS is a not-for-profit, vendor-neutral, pipeline industry association.
The PODS Board of Directors and Technical Committee are comprised of pipeline industry
professionals whose companies support the PODS Association and contribute their employees’
time to further the work of the Association.
PODS member companies include pipeline operators, software, service, engineering, and data
providers, government agencies, and industry associations, from the U. S. and around the globe.
OUR HISTORY
In 1998, a small number of application developers were asked by
the Gas Research Institute (GRI) to help speed the development of
an expanded ISAT data model. These individuals (the GRI Working
Group) generously donated their companies’ time, expertise and
intellectual property to extend the original ISAT data model by adding
important functionality and significantly expanding the original scope
of ISAT. The effort has taken a very pragmatic approach with the goal of
collaboratively developing data standards for the pipeline industry, with
an emphasis on geospatial technology.
14

structure of the PODS association
The PODS Board of Directors consists of 11 elected Directors from PODS-member
companies who govern the Association. The primary responsibility of the Board is to direct the
Association and Technical Committee in developing data storage and interchange standards to
meet the evolving needs of pipeline companies. A minimum of six Board seats are reserved for
pipeline operating companies.
The PODS Technical Committee (TC) is responsible for ongoing maintenance and
development of the PODS Pipeline Data Model and its implementations. The TC is currently
subdivided into four teams, each supporting various aspects of the PODS Pipeline Data Model.
The Technical Committee Steering Committee oversees the work of these teams, and is made
up of the Chairperson from each team, the Board Liaison to the TC, and the Executive Director.
The PODS Executive Director provides leadership to the Association and the Board in
the development, management, evaluation, and execution of programs and initiatives, and
provides proper alignment of staff and financial resources to meet defined goals and objectives.
The Executive Director also manages membership, public relations, marketing, the annual
User Conference, the PODS website, and ensures strong representation of the Association to the
pipeline industry.
PODS Member Companies support the work of the Association, and represent their
opinions and priorities through voting in PODS elections, through the volunteer participation
of their employees on committees, working groups, forums, conferences, meetings, and by
submitting comments and suggestions to the Association.
15

the PODS mission statement
The PODS Association is a not-for-profit industry standards association that develops and
maintains the PODS Pipeline Data Model, and pipeline data storage and interchange standards
for the pipeline industry. The organization provides its members an environment to share
knowledge by establishing a center of excellence for facilitating a global PODS community
of practice. The Association’s focus is to provide its domestic and international members a
framework for leveraging industry standards in support of Information Management solutions
related to onshore and offshore pipelines, gathering systems, and distribution systems as
required to support the interests of its members.
This Mission Statement is further interpreted as a set of guiding principles
that are used to direct the Association’s activities and pursuits.
guiding principles
improve interoperability
Improving the interoperability of the PODS Data Model to enable reliable
exchange of information between multiple databases, applications, vendor
software, and even between different operators, is fundamental to the PODS
mission and objectives.
member knowledge sharing
The value of the PODS user community is significant. Most of the issues
faced by any one member are common across the industry. Fostering
an environment of knowledge sharing of non-propriety information will
enhance the value of the Association to its members, as well as further the
adoption of data standards in the pipeline industry.
growth
Growth encompasses the growth and development of the data standards
offered to the industry, as well as growth in membership and engagement of
its members in Association endeavors.
16

PODS documentation
With each new release, the PODS Technical Committee updates the 1500+ page PODS Data
Dictionary. This document describes the tables and columns contained within the PODS
Pipeline Data Model. It also defines the data types, constraints, foreign keys, and references
contained within the data model. The Data Dictionary also provides an Entity Relationship
Diagram (ERD) for each table in the data model and the executable code to build each table
in the database.
All of the relevant documentation for each new release of the PODS Pipeline Data Model is
contained within the PODS release .zip files available for member download from the PODS
website.
Formal PODS documentation which is not release-specific is also posted on Wiki-PODS.
Draft PODS documentation is also available on Wiki-PODS during the development process.
The intent of posting draft documentation is to invite PODS member companies to test and
comment on their company’s experience with the information presented, so that the final
product has the widest, most comprehensive applicability.
17

what are the benefits to being
a PODS member company?
1 – LEGAL USE OF THE PODS PIPELINE DATA MODEL. The PODS Pipeline Data
Model is the intellectual property of the PODS Association, Inc. and the Association holds the
exclusive right, title, and interest, including copyright, to this intellectual property. In order
to legally use the PODS Pipeline Data Model, your company must be a member of the PODS
Association, or have been a member when the version you are using was released.
2 – RECEIVE NEW RELEASES. The work of the PODS Technical Committee is to
incorporate approved changes, enhancements, and improvements to the PODS Pipeline
Data Model. Both major and minor releases of the PODS Data Model occur periodically.
The Association also publishes updates to PODS documentation, including the PODS Data
Dictionary and PODS Implementation Guide, PODS Data Interchange Standards, and other
documentation. To receive new releases and documentation updates, you must be a current
member of the PODS Association.
3 – UNLIMITED ACCESS TO PODS ONLINE RESOURCES. Some areas of the PODS
website are accessible only by login. Your employees’ access to these areas is governed through
our membership database. An unlimited number of member-company employees may create
a login to the PODS website. Members may download current and past releases of the PODS
Pipeline Data Model and documentation. Also available are PODS Data Interchange Standards,
sample domain values, and other documentation. The Association has also created the PODS
Technical Forum and Wiki-PODS, where PODS members post questions, and read and search
for answers to questions, and review, search, and collaborate on PODS documentation in a
members-only environment.
4 – VOTING RIGHTS. Each member company may cast a single vote in PODS Board of
Directors elections, and in other matters put before the membership for vote. The voting
member for each company is designated on the PODS membership form.
5 – ADVANCED REVIEW OF NEW RELEASES. Once a new release is approved by the
PODS Technical Committee and Board of Directors, it is released to PODS members for review and
comment. Members are encouraged to test the changes included in the new release, and to submit
comments back to the Association on their findings. These comments are compiled and each one
is addressed. The dialogue of comments and responses is documented and included in the final
release documentation, as well as a detailed description of any modifications made to the model
as a result of the comments received.
18

what are the benefits to being
a PODS member company?
6 – OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION on the PODS Technical Committee and Board
of Directors. PODS member companies are encouraged to submit candidates to serve on the PODS
Technical Committee and Board of Directors. Participation in the Technical Committee is subject
to Technical Committee Steering Committee approval. Directors, serving on the PODS Board, are
elected by PODS-member companies each year. Each member company in good standing may
nominate candidates for these positions.
7 – RECOGNITION AS A PODS MEMBER. PODS maintains a list of current member
companies on the PODS website, including a link to each company’s website. Each new member
company has the option to authorize PODS to display this information when they submit their
membership form. PODS members may display the PODS logo for as long as they maintain their
membership in the Association. This includes web, print, and email advertising, as well as trade
shows and exhibits.
8 – LEARN FROM PIPELINE DATA MANAGERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE. Many
of the issues faced by any one member company are common across the industry. To ensure
that an organization makes the most effective decisions, they need to be aware of industry best
practices and lessons learned. Each year at the PODS User Conference, member companies give
presentations on technical challenges they have faced, and solutions they have developed. These
best practices and lessons learned can help you to avoid common roadblocks and pitfalls, and lead
to more efficient solutions.
9 – NETWORK WITH OTHER PODS USERS. PODS provides its members with opportunities
to interact with their peers in the international pipeline community. Attending the PODS User
Conference, joining Work Groups and Committees, and participating in the online Technical
Forum can help individuals to establish and build long-term industry peer relationships. The
annual PODS User Conference brings together pipeline data management experts from around
the globe, and offers a uniquely open forum to discuss challenges, developments, real-word
experiences, and progress in the field of pipeline data collection, analysis, and management.
Many individuals have indicated that the knowledge gained from conversations with other
members is one of the most valuable benefits of their continued membership in the PODS
Association.
10 – NO COST ATTENDANCE AT THE PODS USER CONFERENCE. Member companies
are strongly encouraged to attend the annual PODS User Conference. Each member company
may send multiple attendees at no cost, the number of free attendees may vary from year to year.
19

how to join PODS?
YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN THE PODS ASSOCIATION supports further development
of standard data management practices in the pipeline industry. Your
employees’ participation in PODS committees, forums, conferences, reviews,
and other communication, allows your company’s business needs to be
represented, considered, and addressed.
JOINING THE PODS ASSOCIATION IS SIMPLE, just download a new member
form from the PODS website, and return it to the Executive Director along with
your membership dues.
MEMBERSHIP IS RENEWED ANNUALLY via invoice, and payment is accepted
by credit card, check, or wire transfer. If your company joins PODS mid-year,
your membership fee for the following year will be pro-rated. Membership dues
are not refundable.
PODS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
PIPELINE OPERATING COMPANY
• Small Pipeline Operator* – $2,000
• Large Pipeline Operator** – $5,000
SOFTWARE, ENGINEERING, SERVICE, OR DATA PROVIDER – $2,000
GOVERNMENT AGENCY – $500
* Pipeline Operators having less than 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of transmission, less than 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of
gathering, and less than 100,000 customer distribution meters.
** All other Pipeline Operators.
20

www.pods.org
For more information about The PODS Association, contact the Executive Director.
JANET SINCLAIR
janet.sinclair@pods.org
801.583.1013 – Direct
866.460.PODS – Toll-free
21

www.pods.org
Your continued membership is the PODS Association supports the further development and
adoption of standard data management practices in the pipeline industry. Your employees’
participation in PODS committees, forums, conferences, and other communication allows
your company’s business needs to be represented, considered, and addressed.
© 2012 PODS Association