Enhancing Pipeline Monitoring, ROW Management, and Risk Mitigation with Cutting-Edge Aerial Technology

What Are Aerial Services in Midstream Operations?

Aerial services play a critical role in monitoring, inspecting, and managing midstream infrastructure by providing high-resolution imagery, LiDAR mapping, and thermal imaging. These advanced technologies allow pipeline operators to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and meet regulatory compliance standards without the need for costly manual inspections.

Traditional ground-based surveys and inspections can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and risky, especially in remote or high-consequence areas (HCAs). By leveraging UAV (drone) technology, LiDAR scanning, and aerial photography, midstream operators can gain real-time insights into pipeline conditions, encroachments, and environmental risks.

Percheron’s Role in Midstream Aerial Services

As a leader in midstream operations and maintenance (O&M), Percheron offers comprehensive aerial services that provide operators with cost-effective, high-accuracy data collection for pipeline infrastructure, ROW monitoring, and regulatory compliance. Our aerial specialists help midstream companies:

✔ Monitor pipeline integrity and detect leaks in real time
✔ Conduct high-resolution ROW inspections for encroachments and vegetation management
✔ Improve pipeline mapping and asset tracking with LiDAR and thermal imaging
✔ Enhance regulatory compliance with aerial environmental assessments
✔ Reduce operational downtime and minimize on-the-ground inspection costs

By integrating aerial services with Percheron’s survey, GIS, environmental, and land management expertise, we provide a turnkey solution for midstream operators seeking efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.

Percheron’s Comprehensive Aerial Services for Midstream O&M

1. UAV (Drone) Inspections for ROW Monitoring

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) provide high-resolution imagery and real-time monitoring for midstream operators. Our drone inspection services include:

✅ Right-of-way (ROW) monitoring – Identifying encroachments, erosion, and vegetation overgrowth
✅ Pipeline route inspections – Capturing detailed aerial imagery of pipelines in remote or difficult-to-access areas
✅ Environmental compliance assessments – Identifying potential wetland disturbances or habitat impacts
✅ Emergency response support – Providing real-time aerial footage during pipeline incidents

2. LiDAR Mapping for Pipeline Corridors

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is a game-changer for midstream pipeline planning and monitoring. Percheron’s LiDAR services provide:

✅ High-resolution terrain mapping – Generating 3D models of pipeline routes and ROW areas
✅ Slope and subsidence analysis – Detecting ground shifts and soil movement that may impact pipeline integrity
✅ Vegetation encroachment detection – Identifying potential hazards before they cause regulatory compliance issues

3. Thermal Imaging for Leak Detection & Asset Integrity

Leaks and pipeline failures can be catastrophic, resulting in environmental damage, regulatory fines, and operational shutdowns. Percheron’s thermal imaging technology detects:

✅ Pipeline leaks and anomalies – Using heat detection to identify areas of potential gas or fluid leakage
✅ Compressor station inefficiencies – Identifying hotspots in equipment that may indicate operational issues
✅ Pipeline corrosion and wear – Detecting temperature variations that signal pipeline degradation

4. Aerial Photography & Video Documentation

High-resolution aerial photography and video enhance midstream asset management by providing:

✅ Detailed documentation of pipeline construction and maintenance projects
✅ Before-and-after comparisons for ROW management
✅ Marketing and stakeholder reporting visuals

5. Vegetation Management & Encroachment Analysis

Unmanaged vegetation can pose a significant risk to pipeline safety and regulatory compliance. Percheron’s aerial services support:

✅ Vegetation growth analysis – Identifying areas where overgrowth threatens pipeline access and safety
✅ Encroachment risk assessment – Detecting unauthorized construction or excavation near pipelines
✅ Regulatory compliance mapping – Ensuring midstream operators meet PHMSA and FERC vegetation management guidelines

Why Choose Percheron for Midstream Aerial Services?

✔ Cutting-Edge Drone, LiDAR, and Thermal Imaging Technology – Providing high-resolution, real-time aerial data
✔ Seamless Integration with GIS & Surveying Services – Combining aerial mapping with ground-based survey insights
✔ Regulatory Compliance Support – Ensuring FAA, PHMSA, and environmental guidelines are met
✔ Cost-Effective Inspection Solutions – Reducing the need for manual pipeline inspections
✔ Fast & Efficient Data Collection – Delivering actionable insights in hours instead of days or weeks

FAQs About Midstream Aerial Services

Why are aerial inspections important for midstream pipeline management?

Aerial inspections allow midstream operators to detect leaks, monitor ROW conditions, and identify encroachments more efficiently than traditional ground-based surveys.

How does LiDAR improve pipeline route planning?

LiDAR captures high-resolution 3D terrain data, allowing operators to analyze elevation changes, detect ground shifts, and optimize pipeline routing for safety and efficiency.

Can drones detect pipeline leaks?

Yes. Percheron’s thermal imaging drones identify temperature anomalies that indicate leaks, allowing for early detection and mitigation.

What regulatory standards require aerial monitoring of pipelines?

Agencies like PHMSA, DOT, and FERC mandate regular ROW inspections and vegetation management for midstream infrastructure, making aerial monitoring a key compliance tool.

How often should midstream operators conduct aerial inspections?

Routine aerial inspections should be conducted quarterly or biannually, with additional flights scheduled after extreme weather events or regulatory audits.

Partner with Percheron for Advanced Aerial Solutions in Midstream Operations

Aerial services are transforming midstream pipeline monitoring, ROW management, and regulatory compliance. By leveraging drones, LiDAR, and thermal imaging, Percheron provides accurate, real-time aerial insights that help midstream operators enhance safety, minimize risk, and optimize infrastructure performance.

📞 Contact Us Today to learn how Percheron’s aerial services can support your midstream O&M needs.