Maps function as visualization tools for spatial data. Spatial data is acquired from measurement and can be stored in a database, from which it can be extracted for a variety of purposes. Current trends in the energy industry field presentation projects are moving away from analog methods of mapmaking and toward the creation of increasingly dynamic, interactive gas pipeline maps that can be manipulated digitally.

Technology has continually changed in order to meed the demands of new generations of pipeline map users. Computer hardware devices such as printers, scanners, image processing, spatial analysis and database software have democratized and greatly expanded the making of gas papeline maps.

Making a meaningful pipeline map is the ultimate goal. A well designed map is convincing because it implies authenticity. The quality of a pipeline map's design affects its user's ability to extract information and to learn from the map. Specific symbols are used in order to portray the info accurately and deliver it to the user. Color likewise is important as it can greatly affect the understanding of a pipeline map. Computers can easily hatch patterns in colors to give a lot of options.

Mapping services include graphic design and GIS. Computers enhance the creative process of graphic design, making it easier for gas pipeline maps to represent complex data effectively. GIS or geographic information system is an extremely valuable tool, involved in the creation of precise gas pipeline maps. It is a system for capturing, storing, analyzing and managing data and associated attributes which are spatially referenced to the earth.

Modern GIS technologies used for creating gas pipeline maps use digital information, for which various digitized data creation methods are implemented. The most common method of data creation is digitization, where a hardcopy pipeline map is transferred into a digital medium through the use of computer programs and geo-referencing capabilities.

A GIS can also convert existing digital information into forms it can recognize and use. GIS data represent real world objects such as pipelines with digital data. After entering data into a GIS, it must usually be edited, have the errors removed and processed further.

Digital cartography and GIS both encode spatial relationships in structured formal representations. GIS is used in digital cartography modeling as an automated process of making gas pipeline maps. Also, there are various graphic display techniques used for adding specific symbols to a pipeline map. Shading based on altitude in a GIS can make relationships among map elements, enhancing one's ability to extract and analyze information.

GIS is the main method through which geographic data is accessed, transferred, overlaid, processed and displayed. The overall functionality as well as the very vast capabilities of GIS technology itself have grown enormously with the creation of the geodatabases. The geodatabase enables raster data to be handled as vector data. Vector data possesses more options when it comes to the editing process.

GIS analysis software combines GIS data and overlays so that the data can be visually analysed. It can output a detailed pipeline map, used to communicate a message or present a concept with respect to a region of interest. It is used by professionals, as this type of application is complex and takes some time to master. There is also GIS statistical software, which uses standard databases queries to retrieve data and analyse data for decision making.

Many companies including ANR Pipeline, Gulf South Pipeline, Pacific Gas & Electric Pipeline, Tennessee Gas Pipeline hire professionals in order to present their services and products effectively. Services include the following specialized areas: GIS mapping, graphic design and other technical services such as 3D modeling and design.