Global Energy Monitor

Background

What happened to the Global Fossil Infrastructure Tracker (GFIT)?

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 here. The Global Oil Infrastructure Tracker (GOIT) tracks crude oil and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines.

Pipeline Routes

How accurate are pipeline routes?

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.

Do you provide routes in GIS format?

If you download the data, the routes are provided in WKT format, which can be read into GIS software. We are also happy to provide the routes 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 Baird know you’d like one of these formats.

Coverage

Does the tracker show all operating pipelines?

We aim to track all operating oil transmission pipelines, though in some cases and countries we may not have comprehensive coverage. Prior to June 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.

Note as of June 2022 we are increasing coverage of operating NGL pipelines, but we have historically only focused on those that are in development, and those will be the most comprehensively covered.

Does the tracker show all pipelines in development?

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 June 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.

Does the tracker show all pipelines that are idle, mothballed, cancelled, or retired?

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

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

Improving the Tracker

What if I find an error or a missing project, or I have a suggestion for a better pipeline route?

We’d love to hear from you! Please fill out a report form here.

Credit

Who built this tool?

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 GOIT include Nagwa Abdallah, Greig Aitken, Sophia Bauer, James Browning, Natalie Cherot, Gregor Clark, Hanna Fralikhina, Joshua Frank, Christina Haidar, Erik Hazard, Mason Inman, Ben Inskeep, Ahna Kruciz, Baird Langenbrunner, Ted Nace, Lydia Plante, Aiqun Qu, Christine Shearer, Janna Smith, Adrian Wilson, and Scott Zimmerman.

How do I cite the data?

Please see the attribution and citation guidelines on the Download Data page.