Forecasting sand dune migration

Challenge ID

OTM:014

1

Title

Forecasting sand dune migration

2

Theme ID

ON 5.3: Logistics planning and operations - Facility siting, pipeline routing and roads development

3

Originator of Challenge

Onshore: OTM

4

Challenge Reviewer / initiator

BP, Ramani, Shell

General description

Overview of Challenge

5

What is the nature of the challenge? (What is not adequately addressed at present?)

Predicting the location of geohazards is an important consideration for pipeline routing and facility siting.  An asset can be in situ for 25+ years, during which time the location of geohazards can evolve.  We must be aware of the migration patterns of these geohazards to ensure that in 25 years time our asset is still functional.

6

Thematic information requirements

1. Obtain detailed topographic information, 2. Obtain detailed terrain characterisation,

7

Nature of the challenge - What effect does this challenge have on operations?

If geohazards such as dune migration are present and these threats are identified, appropriate mitigation can be arranged.  This is typically via re-location of the asset.

8

What do you currently do to address this challenge?/ How is this challenge conventionally addressed?

The use of satellite images, in particular of those freely available on the World Wide Web, is a convenient resource.  For more detailed study, the migration of dunes is measured by combining surface mapping with aerial and satellite imagery, GPS, and gro

9

What kind of solution do you envisage could address this challenge?

Monitoring of sand dune migration can be accomplished through a number of methods, combining surface mapping (DEMs) with aerial and satellite imagery, GPS and LIDAR measurements, together with  multi-temporal satellite data analysis.

10

What is your view on the capability of technology to meet this need? – are you currently using EO tech? If not, why not?

EO could be a useful complimentary technology

Challenge classification

11

Lifecycle stage

Pre license

Exp.

Dev.

Prod.

Decom.

Score from impact quantification [1]

2

1

3

2

3

12

Climate classification

Desert

13

Geographic context/restrictions

Generic onshore (Unspecified)

14

Topographic classification / Offshore classification

Generic onshore (Unspecified)

15

Seasonal variations

Any season

16

Impact Area

Operational cost reduction, strategic decision enabler

17

Technology Urgency

(How quickly does the user need the solution)

Immediately (0-2 years)

Information requirements

18

Update frequency

Varies, typically once per month over a period of years

19

Data Currently used

Satellite imagery or aerial photography

20

Spatial resolution

Satellite imagery or aerial photography

21

Thematic accuracy

Varies

22

Example formats

23

Timeliness

Within a month

24

Geographic Extent

District area

25

Existing standards