MNC Converted and Modernized Pipeline Data into GIS-Ready Mapping for Alberta Gas Co-ops

MNC transformed 4,300 CAD files into a centralized, GIS-ready system with a web-based Spatial Viewer.

Turner Valley Gas Plant in Alberta, with industrial buildings, storage tanks, and surrounding foothills

See How MNC Created the CAD to GIS Data Cleanse and Spatial View Web Map

Project Overview

The Federation represents over 123,000 customers across rural Alberta through a network of 52 natural gas distribution co-operatives, six counties, 16 towns and villages, and seven First Nations systems. With over 134,000 kilometers of pipeline in the ground, managing accurate spatial data is vital to maintaining service delivery, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure planning.

By 2018, however, the Federation’s spatial data, originating primarily from legacy CAD files, had become inconsistent, incomplete, and incompatible with modern GIS standards. This hindered their ability to analyze, update, and visualize their vast underground and above-ground infrastructure.

To address these issues, the Federation partnered with MNC (Martin Newby Consulting Ltd.) to transform its outdated CAD-based mapping into a clean, fully connected GIS environment with web-based accessibility.

Challenge

The Federation’s pipeline infrastructure data was spread across 4,300 CAD files and did not meet modern geospatial standards.

Person wearing safety equipment inspecting industrial piping and valve systems.

Key Limitations Included:

Spatial inaccuracies that limited analysis and asset management.

Lack of connectivity between gas line segments and features.

No GIS-ready structure to support centralized updates or queries.

Outdated or missing attribution for pipeline and infrastructure components.

No web-accessible tool for internal teams to view, edit, or generate maps.

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The Solution

MNC executed a comprehensive data conversion and cleansing initiative, transforming decades of CAD-based pipeline records into an accurate, GIS-ready environment.

Diagram showing a stack of CAD files converted into a GIS mapping database.

Key Steps in the Solution:

Data Cleansing and Model Creation

Processed over 4,300 CAD files into a consistent, topologically clean GIS dataset
Ensured all gas lines were fully connected and spatially accurate
Standardized attribute fields and validated domains across all features
Applied symbology for key infrastructure, including crossings and end caps

GIS System Deployment

Built a fully connected GIS mapping model using Esri’s ArcGIS software
Integrated both underground and above-ground infrastructure
Delivered the new GIS database in a format compatible with modern geospatial workflows

Spatial Viewer Implementation

Launched a web-based Spatial Viewer application for internal use
Enabled data visualization, attribute editing, upload of new infrastructure data, and PDF map generation
Provided the Federation’s team with hands-on access to an intuitive tool for maintaining and using their GIS data

The Results

The Federation now benefits from a centralized, accurate, and fully connected GIS database covering over 134,000 kilometers of pipeline infrastructure.

GIS map showing pipeline corridors and network connections across a rural landscape

Key benefits included:

GIS-ready data that meets modern standards for spatial accuracy and connectivity.

Errors such as dangles and disconnected features have been eliminated.

All features have valid domains and consistent attributes.

Pipeline crossings and caps are accurately placed and symbolized.

Internal teams access and manage data through the web-based Spatial Viewer.

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134,000 km

OF PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORTED

CAD-to-GIS

TRANSFORMATION ACROSS LARGE-SCALE DATASETS

Improved

ACCURACY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ASSET MANAGEMENT WORKFLOWS

Service Categories:

Technology Platforms or Tools:

About MNC

The Cadastral and Parcel Mapping Experts

MNC is a trusted leader in cadastral and parcel management with 25+ years of experience delivering GeoAI-ready datasets, modernizing parcel fabrics, and automating GIS workflows. As an Esri Gold and Cornerstone Partner with Parcel Management and State and Local Government Specialties, MNC provides scalable advanced GIS, ArcGIS Pro, FME automation, MicroStation, AutoCAD and cloud-ready geospatial systems that improve data quality and support government land administration modernization across Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean.

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