Data management of pipeline datasets

An apparatus for applying a method for managing the integration of multiple pipeline datasets into a combined dataset or superset otherwise known as an asset survey. As each dataset is integrated into the asset survey a data management module is responsible for setting the status field of each feature point dependant on its relative age, source, name and type. The field "status" has five distinct states; active, inactive, archived, super inactive and super active. Active is representative of the latest and most accurate condition of the pipeline. Inactive indicates that the record has either been superseded by better data or the record is from new data and has not yet been validated as accurate. Archived indicates the record is associated with a piece of pipe that was removed from service (i.e. cut out of the pipeline).