FIELD DATA COLLECTION

This page offers a practical overview of field data collection in the pipeline industry—what it involves, how it supports compliance, and how it’s evolving with new technology. Whether you’re managing cathodic protection programs or overseeing corrosion surveys, understanding modern field data workflows is key to staying efficient, accurate, and audit-ready.

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Field Data Collection in the Pipeline Industry

Field data collection is the process of gathering accurate, real‑world information from physical pipeline assets to support operations, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.

In the context of corrosion control and cathodic protection, this involves capturing inspection data—such as voltage readings, GPS coordinates, asset conditions, and photos—directly from the field. That data is then securely transferred to office-based systems for analysis, reporting, and long-term decision-making.

Who’s Responsible for Collecting Field Data?

Corrosion field data is typically collected by AMPP‑certified corrosion technicians (CP1 or CP2), either employed directly by operators or contracted through specialized service providers. They are supported by integrity managers and compliance supervisors who ensure compliance and data quality.

Most companies now use a blended workforce model, with both internal and external crews using the same digital tools and workflows.

Types of Field Data Collected in Pipeline Integrity and Corrosion Management

Cathodic protection data collection

Capturing voltage, current, resistance, and waveform data from test stations, rectifiers, and bonds

Corrosion field data

Pipeline data collection

Compliance data

Why Accurate Field Data Matters

In pipeline operations, the quality of field data isn’t just a technical concern—it’s a compliance and safety imperative. Incomplete or inaccurate data can result in missed inspections, gaps in regulatory documentation, and increased exposure to environmental or safety risks. In serious cases, even a small logging error—like failing to record a test station inspection—can lead to regulatory penalties.

Reliable data collection helps operators avoid these outcomes by ensuring:

Inspections are performed and recorded on schedule
Data is complete, standardized, and audit-ready
Teams can take timely, informed action on emerging issues

Benefits of High-Quality Field Data

A strong data foundation not only protects against compliance failures—it improves operational performance across the board:

Increases inspection accuracy and consistency
Reduces manual entry errors with digital validation
Enables faster decision-making with real-time access
Improves asset longevity through proactive maintenance
Lowers long-term costs by minimizing rework and fines

Regulatory Requirements & Industry Standards

Field data collection is essential for meeting regulatory requirements such as PHMSA’s 49 CFR Parts 191 and 195, which mandate regular monitoring, testing, and documentation of pipeline conditions. Accurate records support audits, demonstrate compliance with cathodic protection intervals, and help avoid costly violations.

AMPP (formerly NACE) provides industry standards like SP0169 that define best practices for corrosion monitoring, CP testing, and data verification—ensuring consistency and technical accuracy across programs.

Aligning with both PHMSA regulations and AMPP standards helps operators reduce risk, streamline audits, and maintain long-term pipeline integrity.

The Digital Transformation of Field Data Collection

Field data collection in the pipeline industry used to be a fully manual process. Technicians carried analog voltmeters and clipboards, writing down readings by hand and later re-entering that information back at the office. It was slow, error-prone, and difficult to standardize across teams.

Today, most corrosion technicians rely on digital tools and mobile apps that streamline the entire workflow. These modern data collection methods allow teams to:

Collect data faster and with greater accuracy
Validate input in real-time
Automatically store and sync information across teams
Reduce audit risk by ensuring standardized, verifiable records

The shift to digital data collection has improved both efficiency and data quality — two key drivers in reducing compliance costs and improving asset reliability.

How Corrosion Field Data Moves from Collection to Compliance

A well-structured field-to-office workflow ensures that data collected in the field directly supports regulatory compliance, asset management, and informed decision-making. Here’s how the process typically unfolds in a modern corrosion control program:

Plan — Create inspection schedules based on deadlines and asset priorities
Execute — Use digital tools to collect voltage, GPS, and condition data
Document — Log photos, notes, and findings in standardized forms
Transfer — Automatically sync or securely upload to office systems
Validate — Review for accuracy and regulatory alignment
Report & Archive — Store verified records for audits, GIS, and long-term tracking

Commonly Used Field Data Collection Tools

Tools used vary by inspection type and operator preference, but may include:

Digital voltmeters for cathodic protection readings
GPS receivers for precise geolocation
RFID scanners for asset identification
Tablets and mobile apps for real-time data capture and validation

CartoPac Platform on the Mesa Rugged Tablet

Future Trends in Field Data Collection

Across the industry, we’re seeing a shift toward smarter, more connected field operations—at a more affordable price. Here’s what’s ahead:

Machine-learning assistance to flag anomalies or suggest follow-up actions
Geospatial workflows that guide users and simplify route planning
Lifecycle integration connecting field data to construction, maintenance, and compliance systems
Cloud collaboration so office teams and field crews stay in sync

Some of these innovations are already in place; others are just gaining traction. But the trend is clear: better data, fewer delays, and stronger compliance outcomes.

Read what our customers are saying

Field data collection is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a strategic capability that shapes the safety, reliability, and efficiency of pipeline operations.

Ready to modernize your field operations? Get in touch with American Innovations.

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