Optimization of Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Routing using LCPA method (Case Study: Zav Area of Golestan Province)

In projects related to linear infrastructure such as Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines, to reduce damage to the environmental resources and the sustainable development goals, considering the environmental characters in is vital. However, in the traditional methods, the technological and engineering aspects of the area were considered more than the environmental characteristics. Nowadays, Geographic Information System is recognized as an effective and efficient tool to help experts to make a better and easier decision in any linear infrastructures project. One of the most useful applications of GIS is to determine the least cost and effect way to connect two different points in the process of designing a linear infrastructure. In the present study, a linear infrastructure project was examined using Least Cost Path Analysis method on a combination of multiple criteria using Multi-Criteria Evaluation. According to 12 criteria out of total 20 criteria (factors and restriction) examined in this research, the proposed route provided by the LCPA method is more suitable than the rout proposed by the experts using the traditional method. In addition, the routes are the same in four other criteria. The method used in this research applied more environmental criteria therefore, more attention to the environmental aspects of the area can be seen. It could be concluded that applying the result of this study could reduce more negative environmental impacts of the project and could also reduce project costs. The results of this method can be used as the basic framework in linear infrastructures routing for designers and managers.