GIS Ralroad Commision download information
### Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Free GIS Layer for Pipeline Distribution in Reeves County, Texas
As the GIS Master at the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC), I'll walk you through the process of accessing the free pipeline distribution layer for Reeves County. The RRC maintains comprehensive GIS data on oil, gas, and pipeline infrastructure, including distribution pipelines regulated under our Pipeline Safety Section. This data is derived from T-4 permit applications and other public records, and it's provided free of charge for public use.
**Important Notes Before Starting:**
- The data is available in ArcView Shapefile (.SHP) format, which is compatible with most GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, or even free tools like QGIS).
- Pipeline data is organized **by county** using Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) codes. Reeves County's FIPS code is **48389** (the "48" prefix is for Texas; the full code is 48 followed by the three-digit county code 389).
- Downloads are updated twice a week, so the data is relatively current (as of November 21, 2025, the latest update would be from earlier this week).
- The files are delivered as ZIP archives. You'll need a tool like 7-Zip (free) or WinZip to extract them.
- **Disclaimer**: This GIS data is for informational and planning purposes only. It should **not** be used for excavation or pipeline location without calling the Texas One Call notification center (811) first. Always verify accuracy in your GIS software, as positional data is based on operator-submitted surveys.
- No account or payment is required—these are direct public downloads via the RRC's secure file transfer system.
- If you encounter issues, refer to the RRC's Digital Map Information User Guide (PDF) for troubleshooting.
#### Step 1: Confirm the FIPS Code for Reeves County
- FIPS codes ensure you download the correct county-specific data.
- Visit the RRC's Oil & Gas Counties & Districts page: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/about-us/locations/oil-gas-counties-districts/
- Scroll or search for "Reeves County."
- Note the FIPS code: **48389**.
- If the page doesn't load directly, you can search "Reeves County FIPS code Texas RRC" in your browser for confirmation—it's standard across U.S. federal datasets.
#### Step 2: Navigate to the RRC Data Download Page
- Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) and go to the official RRC Data Sets Available for Download page: https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/data-sets-available-for-download/
- This page lists all free datasets, categorized by type (e.g., Oil & Gas, Pipeline Safety).
- Scroll down to the **Pipeline** or **GIS Data** section. Look for:
- **Pipeline Layers by County** (this is the primary dataset for pipeline distribution, including gas and liquids pipelines).
- **All Layers by County** (a broader option that includes pipelines plus wells, surveys, and other features—recommended if you want context around the pipelines).
#### Step 3: Select and Download the Appropriate Dataset
- Under **Pipeline Layers by County**:
- Click the download link: https://mft.rrc.texas.gov/link/c7cbab0c-afe2-4f6f-91ae-e6ed7d3a7ab6
- This opens the RRC's Managed File Transfer (MFT) portal, a secure download interface.
- Alternatively, for the fuller dataset:
- Under **All Layers by County**, click: https://mft.rrc.texas.gov/link/f9112008-ab1f-4550-94c9-e2546d1bbb59
- In the MFT portal:
- You'll see a form or search interface. Enter the **FIPS code: 48389** in the provided field (labeled something like "County FIPS Code" or "Select County").
- Select the format: **ArcView Shape File** (this is the default and free GIS layer option).
- If prompted, agree to any terms (e.g., acknowledging the data's limitations).
- Click **Download** or **Submit**. The file will be a ZIP archive named something like `TX_Pipelines_Reeves_48389.zip` (exact naming follows RRC conventions, e.g., prefixed with date or version).
- File size: Expect 5–50 MB depending on the county's pipeline density (Reeves County, in the Permian Basin, has significant infrastructure, so it may be on the larger side).
- Save the ZIP file to your computer (e.g., Downloads folder).
**Pro Tip**: If the MFT portal requires Java or a specific browser, use a modern browser and enable pop-ups. Review the sample test files linked on the download page (under "Sample Test Files") to preview the structure.
#### Step 4: Extract the Downloaded Files
- Locate the ZIP file on your computer.
- Right-click the file and select "Extract All" (Windows) or use an app like The Unarchiver (Mac).
- Recommended free tool: Download 7-Zip from https://www.7-zip.org/ if you don't have one—it's reliable for RRC's ZIP format.
- Extract to a new folder (e.g., `Reeves_Pipeline_Data`).
- Inside, you'll find multiple files for the shapefile layer:
- `.shp` (main geometry file—pipes as lines with attributes like diameter, material, operator).
- `.shx` (index file).
- `.dbf` (attribute table—includes fields like permit number, system type, accuracy estimate).
- `.prj` (projection file—data is in Geographic Coordinate System, NAD27 datum, decimal degrees).
- Optional: `.xml` or readme files with metadata.
- The key layer for "pipes distribution" is typically named `PIPELINE` or `TX_PIPELINE`—this includes intrastate and distribution lines (gas/liquids). Filter by attributes like "System Type" (e.g., "Distribution") in your GIS software if needed.
#### Step 5: Load and View the Layer in GIS Software
- Install free GIS software if you don't have it:
- **QGIS** (recommended for beginners): Download from https://qgis.org/en/site/forusers/download.html (open-source, no license needed).
- Or use **ArcGIS Online Explorer** (free web version) at https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html.
- Open your GIS software:
- In QGIS: File > Add Layer > Add Vector Layer > Browse to the `.shp` file > Open.
- The pipelines will appear as line features on the map.
- Set the coordinate system:
- Layer Properties > Source > Set CRS to EPSG:4269 (NAD27 Geographic) or reproject to something local like EPSG:2276 (Texas State Plane North Central) for better viewing.
- Zoom to Reeves County:
- Use the search tool to enter "Reeves County, Texas" or coordinates (approx. 31.5°N, -103.5°W).
- Symbolize the layer: Style > Graduated (e.g., by diameter) or Categorized (e.g., by operator) for clarity.
- Explore attributes: Right-click the layer > Open Attribute Table. Key fields include:
- **T4_PERMIT**: Pipeline permit number.
- **SYSTEM_TYPE**: E.g., "Distribution," "Transmission," or "Gathering."
- **DIAMETER**: Pipe size in inches.
- **MATERIAL**: E.g., Steel, Plastic.
- **OPERATOR**: Company name.
- **ACCURACY**: Positional estimate (e.g., ±10 ft).
#### Step 6: Verify and Use the Data
- Cross-check: Compare with the RRC Public GIS Viewer (https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/gis-viewer/) by searching for Reeves County pipelines— it should match closely.
- If no data appears: Ensure the FIPS code is correct and redownload. Reeves has active Permian Basin pipelines, so the layer should populate.
- For updates: Return to the download page weekly, as files are refreshed twice.
- Advanced use: Join with other RRC layers (e.g., wells) or export to formats like GeoJSON for web apps.
- Questions? Contact RRC GIS support via the Research Queries form at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/resource-center/research/ or email research@rrc.texas.gov.
This process should take 10–20 minutes. If you run into errors (e.g., projection mismatches), the User Guide PDF (linked on the download page) has detailed FAQs. Let me know if you need help troubleshooting a specific step!