Pipeline curvature and displacement refer to the unintended movement of pipelines from their original positioning, often due to external forces such as soil erosion, seismic activity or landslides. These geo-hazards pose significant risks to the integrity and safety of pipeline systems, potentially leading to leaks, ruptures, and environmental contamination.

Detecting displacements may also involve other technologies to monitor and assess the structural integrity of pipelines without needing to access the interior. External pipeline inspection methods have been developed to support pipeline operators with their integrity management programs. The current magnetometry inspection (CMI) technique can be employed to detect pipeline features, in particular pipeline curvatures and displacements, which are critical for ensuring the safety and integrity of pipelines.

This paper shows how CMI can be a complement or, sometimes, even an alternative to detect minor displacements and to record changes in pipeline elevation due to ground movement or to track movements over time.