Success and Failure in Pipeline GIS: Lessons Learned

In the geomatics community, the literature thoroughly covers the topic of success and failure in geomatics projects. Papers and research covering this topic as it relates to specific industries or applications such as municipal and environmental Geographic Information System (GIS) projects can also be found. However, few papers have been presented on this topic in relation to pipeline engineering projects, and in particular, Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM). This paper will introduce this topic to the EPCM project manager through an overview of the measures of failure, their causes, the key enablers of success of a GIS project in EPCM world, and conclude with a synopsis of how the EPCM project manager can ensure the success of geomatics or GIS activities on their project.