Why SkipperNDT Is Transforming Buried Pipeline Inspections
Mapping, monitoring, and assessing buried pipelines is very hard, especially in places that are muddy, covered in water, or have old infrastructure with little documentation.
SkipperNDT and AUAV have teamed up to create a powerful, contactless magnetic inspection solution that uses drones and proprietary sensor systems to locate, analyse, and keep an eye on subsurface pipelines in a variety of terrains.
SkipperNDT uses advanced aerial magnetometry to eliminate the need for traditional tools like GPR or physical exposure. This offers a safer, more automated, and more scalable solution in industries like oil and gas, utilities, mining, and civil infrastructure.
How SkipperNDT Works
Argos and Atlas, two patented magnetic sensor platforms, are at the heart of SkipperNDT’s solution. They can be mounted on drones and quickly deployed over areas that are dangerous or cannot be accessed easily.
These sensors can detect magnetic anomalies consistent with metallic pipelines. This lets them make a very accurate 3D map (X, Y, Z) without any ground contact.
Key capabilities include
- Drone-mounted magnetic sensors for non-contact detection over complex terrain
- 3D pipeline mapping, including location, depth of cover, and bend/strain
- 50m+ depth penetration, ideal for river crossings and near-shore assessments
- Full integration with GIS, bathymetry & digital twin platforms
- No need for site disturbance, excavation, or underwater divers
AUAV + SkipperNDT Partnership and Impact
Being one of the leading drone service companies in Australia, AUAV has teamed up with SkipperNDT to offer this next-generation drone-based geospatial inspection solution for inspecting buried pipes.
The joint system improves managing the integrity of infrastructure, following the rules, and keeping the site safe, all without the risks and problems that come with manual workflows.
Our field-tested collaboration has resulted in high-confidence pipeline detection and monitoring across sites in Australia, West Africa, Europe, and the US, from active oilfields to post-decommissioned assets.
Key Use Cases for Drone Magnetic Pipeline Inspections
Water Crossings & Subsurface River Channels
- 3D mapping of the location of pipelines and the depth of cover under lakes and rivers
- Combining with bathymetric surveys to identify scour and exposure risk
- No need for divers, boats, or GPR setups on the bank
Decommissioned Sites & Abandoned Wells
- Find pipelines that are not documented or that have been left behind in remote areas
- Minimise disruption and safely inspect old oil and gas infrastructure
Slope Movement & Strain Analysis
- Use non-contact bend and strain tracking to keep an eye on pipelines that are likely to show movement.
- Important for areas with landslides, unstable fill, or seasonal deformation.
Near-Shore Pipeline Mapping
- Identify offshore-to-onshore pipelines with poor or incomplete as-builts.
- Effective in beachheads, ports, and land areas that have been reclaimed.
General Subsurface Pipeline Mapping
- Locate pipelines without ground disturbance.
- GIS-ready outputs for planning, environmental evaluation, and maintenance.
Why SkipperNDT Outperforms
| Feature | SkipperNDT | Traditional Methods |
| Contactless Inspection | ✅ | ❌ (Requires access or excavation) |
| Subsurface Depth Accuracy | Up to 50m | Limited |
| Waterway Pipeline Mapping | ✅ | ❌ (Divers/GPR often fail) |
| Automation & Speed | High | Manual & slow |
| Safety Risk | Very Low | High (heights, access, underwater) |
Credentials & Assurance
AUAV’s pipeline inspection teams are made up of CASA-certified drone operators, geophysicists, and field engineers, with the following credentials:
- ISO-aligned safety and quality systems.
- Experience in class-accredited inspection workflows.
- Projects completed for major utilities, oil & gas, and environmental agencies.
- Integration-ready outputs for ESRI, CAD, and digital twins.
Get Started with Magnetic Drone Pipeline Inspections
Whether you need help with a full buried pipe locating solution, support for a decommissioning plan, or help with tackling tough water crossings, AUAV and SkipperNDT have a distinctive and proven way to deliver results.
AUAV is Australia’s reputed ISO-certified drone solutions and drone consulting company.
Contact Us Now to discuss your needs!
FAQs
What is SkipperNDT technology?
SkipperNDT is a magnetic inspection system that uses drones to find and locate buried pipelines without content. It gets real-time 3D location data from high-precision sensors.
Can it detect pipelines under water or rivers?
Yes. SkipperNDT can identify pipelines that are up to 50 metres deep under rivers or lakes. It finds scour exposure and confirms cover depth when combined with bathymetric data.
What’s the benefit over GPR or excavation?
Magnetic drone inspection works in most situations, unlike GPR that faces trouble with water or clay-rich soils. It is quicker, safer, and does not disturb the site.
Can it assess pipe bend and strain?
Yes. The system keeps track of changes in the magnetic signature in order to identify bends or strains in buried pipelines. This is quite useful in unstable terrain.
Is it suitable for abandoned or undocumented pipelines?
For sure. It’s one of the best tools for finding old or missing infrastructure on sites or oilfields that are no longer in use.
What industries benefit from this service?
SkipperNDT’s magnetic inspection is used by energy companies, utilities, environmental monitoring groups, government infrastructure projects, ports, and mining companies to check pipelines quickly, safely, and accurately.
