PODS Data Models

PODS for ArcGIS Enterprise

The PODS Data Model was built for regulated pipeline and is continuously updated as new regulations are published. In fact, PHMSA is a PODS member and uses the model as a baseline for NPMS, so having your data in PODS is the easiest way for operators to submit their annual reports and NPMS uploads.

At its most basic level, an ArcGIS geodatabase is a collection of geographic datasets of various types held in a common file system folder. Geodatabases come in many sizes; have varying numbers of users; and can scale from small, single-user databases built on files up to larger workgroup, department, and enterprise geodatabases accessed by many users.

Our vision is to align more with the needs of operators, especially those with multiple types of assets, and offer specific data solutions geared towards risk, regulation, and compliance. PODS will now offer two core data models – PODS 7 and PODS 7 Utility Network with the option to add regulatory and industry specific modules quickly and cost effectively.

Esri’s Advantage Program is an enablement program for organizations to optimize their use of Esri technology and accelerate business initiatives with the strategic guidance of Esri experts. The program has a flexible framework to provide customers with hands-on support from Esri consultants, instructors, and tech support staff. Each organization is paired with an Esri Advisor who has industry domain knowledge, and through close collaboration and partnership the Advisor becomes familiar with their GIS capabilities, working to ensure they stay at the forefront of Esri resources, technology, and best practices. Unique to the PODS Association, the PODS Advantage Program with Esri will focus on maximizing the technical alignment of products offered by both organizations to enhance end-user experience when using industry-standard data models with ArcGIS.

There are currently two main geodatabase implementations of PODS for ArcGIS Enterprise

1. PODS for ArcGIS Enterprise + ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing (APR)

The out of the box PODS for ArcGIS implementation requires only ArcGIS Pro Standard plus an ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for ArcPro. ArcGIS Enterprise is not required.nor are any ESRI software extensions. Pipeline location is managed via an M-aware centerline and events are located by stationing attributes on top of the centerline (as ‘route events’).
Learn more about ESRI linear referencing and route events here. This version requires the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for ArcPro

As an expansion of PODS for ArcGIS Enterprise Standard, users can implement PODS with the ESRI ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension. This extension will allow the ESRI platform to manage all centerline and event editing processes. This version requires ArcGIS Enterprise, and the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for Server, and the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for ArcPro. Learn more about ESRI ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension here.

2. PODS for ArcGIS Enterprise + ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing (APR) with Utility Network

This PODS Utility Network + APR Implementation Pattern release combines the centerline and feature management components of the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension with the to create traceability, containers, and data integrity management features of the ArcGIS Utility Network extension. When implemented at the Enterprise level, this version requires ArcGIS Enterprise, the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for Server and the ArcGIS Pipeline Referencing extension for ArcPro.the Utility Network extension.

Learn more about Esri Utility Network extension here.

Learn more about PODS 7.0 for Utility Network + APR here.

Hear Jeff Allen talk about the release on the Pipeliners Podcast here.