National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS)

The National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) is an online geographic information system created and hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Office of Pipeline Safety. It utilizes geospatial information provided by governmental agencies and the pipeline industry to produce a visual, online display of pipelines in your area via the Internet.

The system is built from data submitted annually by transmission pipeline and LNG plant operators. On a voluntary basis, breakout tank facility operators may also submit data. However, as noted on the PHMSA website:

“The NPMS does not contain information on interconnects, pump and compressor stations, valves, direction of flow, capacity, throughput or operating pressure. In addition, distribution and gathering pipelines are not included in the NPMS.”

Access to the NPMS

Access is restricted to the NPMS. Two methods are available online:

1. The online Public Map Viewer allows the general public to view gas transmission pipelines and hazardous liquid trunk lines one county at a time.

   Per the NPMS website, the Public Map Viewer “does not contain gathering or distribution pipelines, such as lines which deliver gas to a customer’s home. Therefore, not all pipelines in an area will be visible in the Public Map Viewer. NPMS Data is for reference purposes only.”

   To use the Public Map Viewer, click here: https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/

2. PHMSA also makes available the Pipeline Information Management Mapping Application (PIMMA), a username/password-protected site for authorized government officials and pipeline operators. PIMMA restricts viewable data to an authorized user’s area of jurisdiction, and it includes information not available on the Public Map Viewer.

   You must apply for a PIMMA username and password. To do so, please click here: https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/application.asp?tact=pimma&page=pimma\about_pimma.htm