Apparatus and method for detecting pipeline defects

An apparatus and method are disclosed for scanning and detecting defects in sewer and similar pipelines that eliminate the need to stop and pan-and-tilt areas of concern. In the method of the invention, a pipeline inspection probe of the apparatus of the invention comprising a CCD camera with fish-eye lens travels through the pipeline on a self-propelled tractor automatically collecting data and transmitting it to a computer to provide a real-time display of the pipeline interior with quasi three-dimensional information for effective and quick data analysis and management. The data includes digitized forward views and unfolded 360 degree laid-flat side-san views of the pipeline interior. Additionally, the digitized data may be stored for further analysis, tabulation, and for use with pipeline infrastructure maintenance software.