LiDAR for powerline mapping and vegetation modelling can help Improving vegetation management to reduce bushfire and outage risks
The safe operation of its 11,000 plus kilometre transmission network is the highest priority of an Australian transmission owner and operator and AAM client. With assets located in high fire danger areas and sections of densely vegetated transmission line corridors at risk of bushfire, risk minimisation is an integral part of its asset management strategy. Learn how LiDAR for powerline mapping helps.
The Challenge
Improving vegetation management to reduce bushfire and outage risks
Ground inspection has proven a slow and expensive method of detecting vegetation and easement encroachment. Cost and time effective aerial inspection was required to assist with:
Vegetation easement encroachment
- Maintenance of conductor-to-vegetation clearances in all environmental conditions and line loadings
- Development of maintenance programs for effective removal of all infringement vegetation based on growth rates
- Work order preparation for maintenance crews
The Solution for powerline mapping
LiDAR network mapping; power line and vegetation modelling; work order automation
- Precision LiDAR mapping:
vegetation and asset data across the transmission network - Powerline modelling:
PLS-CADD using LiDAR data, load levels, and weather conditions - Vegetation profiling:
incorporating growth rate data, possible future vegetation infringements - Tailored scenario modelling:
vegetation infringements under ‘typical’, ‘excessive’ and ‘maximum’ line load and weather conditions - Maintenance work orders:
contractor work orders to meet the organisation’s asset management standards
Results
Improved vegetation management, efficient staff deployment, and risk minimisation
- Prioritisation of vegetation maintenance tasks and efficient maintenance crew deployment
- Identification of priority infringements and creation of typical to maximum conditions risk mitigation strategies
- Complete set of PLS-CADD transmission line models, ready for use in future maintenance and management tasks
- A detailed, auditable vegetation management program that meets organisational, board and industry regulator standards
- Reduced risk of power outages, infrastructure damage, and bush files
