Leak Localization Error

Leak localization error refers to how far off a detection system might be when pinpointing the exact source of a methane leak. It’s typically measured in meters and reflects the system’s geospatial accuracy.

A smaller error means the reported leak location is closer to the true source—allowing ground crews to go straight to the leak source and resulting in faster, more efficient repairs. Bridger Photonics’ Gas Mapping LiDAR® (GML) methane detection data offers industry-leading localization accuracy, with a typical error within approximately two meters.

Why Leak Localization Error Matters

When a methane leak is detected, crews need to find the exact source quickly to mitigate the leak. If the reported leak location is off by 20, 50, or 100 meters, it can lead to costly delays in time and labor, and result in more lost product.

Low leak localization error means:

• Field crews spend less time searching
• Leaks get repaired faster
• Safety risks to crews are minimized
• There are fewer false positives and wasted dispatches
• There’s greater trust in emissions data for compliance and reporting
• Emissions from nearby facilities aren’t mistakenly attributed to your facility
  
  

How Leak Localization Errors Work (Brief Technical) 

Leak localization error is influenced by the system’s sensor resolution, scan density, GPS accuracy, and data processing algorithms. 

Aerial systems like Bridger’s rely on:

• Aircraft-mounted LiDAR sensors
• High-frequency measurements along tightly planned flight paths
• Advanced modeling to trace methane plumes to their origin point

Bridger’s GML combines dense measurement data with proprietary analytics to deliver leak location estimates accurate to within just a couple of meters, dramatically reducing field uncertainty.

Key Applications in Oil and Gas

• Speeding up leak investigation and repair
• Reducing labor costs and truck rolls
• Supporting regulatory documentation with defensible location data
• Tracking recurring leaks at specific equipment or asset types
• Improving operator trust in aerial detection results

Related: Gas Mapping LiDAR, Scan Density (Methane), Methane Quantification

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