Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2022, the Global Fossil Infrastructure Tracker (GFIT) has been split into two separate trackers for oil and gas. The Global Gas Infrastructure Tracker (GGIT) tracks gas transmission pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals. The Global Oil Infrastructure Tracker (GOIT) tracks crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines here.

Accuracy varies, and we are constantly working to improve our pipeline routes. Historically, we have prioritized mapping pipeline routes that are 100 km or longer, though we are now in the process of adding smaller routes where time allows.

If the route you see is a straight or low-resolution line on the map, it is likely approximated from start and end points (and sometimes midpoints). If it has more curvature, we have either obtained the route from official sources, or we have traced it from an image using GIS software. If you have any suggestions for route improvements, or questions on a specific project, please let us know via the “Improving the tracker” contact info below.

Accuracy for terminal location also varies. We use a combination of GIS mapping and research to identify an accurate location. We mark location accuracy as “approximate” or “exact” based on our confidence through this research.

Yes. If you download the data, pipeline routes are provided in WKT format, which can be read into GIS software. Terminal locations are provided as latitude and longitude columns. We are also happy to provide the data in shapefile or GeoJSON format to you directly. To request this, please (1) download the data by following the “Download Data” link, and (2) reply to the email you receive and let the project manager know you’d like one of these formats.

We aim to track all operating natural gas transmission pipelines, though in some cases and countries we may not have comprehensive coverage. Prior to May 2022, we focused primarily on pipelines longer than 100 km, and we still prioritize these projects but are continually filling in gaps we have for smaller projects. If you are searching for a pipeline that is not on the map, we may still track it in our full database, which includes pipelines without routes, available at the “Data Download” link.

We aim to track all under-construction, proposed, and shelved oil and NGL transmission pipelines, though in some cases and countries we may not have comprehensive coverage. Prior to May 2022, we focused primarily on pipelines longer than 100 km. Currently, we attempt to track any in-development transmission pipeline, regardless of size. If you are searching for a pipeline that is not on the map, we may still track it in our full database, which includes pipelines without routes, available at the “Download Data” link.

We aim to track all gas transmission pipelines with these statuses, but we historically have prioritized pipelines that are either operating or in development.

Note, as of May 2022, we are increasing coverage of gas pipelines with these statuses, but we have historically only focused on those that are in development, and those will be the most comprehensively covered.

Yes, we aim to track all LNG import or export terminals globally, regardless of status. GGIT does not track terminals used solely for storage or bunkering.

We’d love to hear from you! Please contact Baird Langenbrunner, the tracker project manager, and/or LNG research analyst Rob Rozansky.

The tracker was designed and produced by Global Energy Monitor, an organization developing collaborative resources on the global energy system. Researchers who have contributed to GGIT include Nagwa Abdallah, Greig Aitken, Sophia Bauer, James Browning, Natalie Cherot, Gregor Clark, Hanna Fralikhina, Joshua Frank, Christina Haidar, Christine Juta, Erik Hazard, Mason Inman, Ben Inskeep, Christine Juta, Zhanaiym Kozyboy, Ahna Kruciz, Baird Langenbrunner, Ted Nace, Lydia Plante, Aiqun Qu, Rob Rozansky, Christine Shearer, Janna Smith, Adrian Wilson, and Scott Zimmerman.

Please cite this data set as “Global Gas Infrastructure Tracker, Global Energy Monitor, [release date]”. (December 2022 for Pipelines or July 2022 for LNG Terminals.)