A GIS‐based pipeline planning system

This paper describes a research and development effort on a GIS‐based pipeline planning system (GIS‐based PPS). Research was first conducted to identify the aspects of pipeline planning and pipeline network design that could benefit from a computer assisted approach, and the recent advancements in information technology. This paper describes a cohesive computer environment that integrates the hydraulic analysis and geographic information processing with a graphic user interface (GUI), in order to improve the effectiveness of pipeline design functions. An interactive system prototype was implemented and is currently being applied in real‐world pipeline network planning and design for municipal and industrial water conveyance.