Laser scanning is the ideal technique for utility providers in the planning, documentation, surveying and surveillance of corridors in the electricity grid. Crucial information can be acquired using the technique in combination with thermal imaging and digital orthophotos.

In addition to providing exact surface height values, laser scanning delivers exact details of vegetation growth, and objects such as the individual elements of overhead power line networks, cabling, sagging, pylon position, and span length. By the same token, details such as bundle conductors can be discriminated.

With the acquired data many different perspectives can be generated. With the aid of thermal imagery, for example, fractures and breaks in power lines throughout the whole system can be traced and exactly located. High resolution digital orthophotos in colour or colour-infrared assist in the assessment of vegetation growth and types in overhead cable corridors. Once integrated into a GIS the distance between vegetation and cables can be determined, the basis for the secure and simple management of maintenance and vegetation.

In planning routes for power lines, potential paths can be accurately captured and 3D models with all relevant terrain characteristics generated. Routes can be optimized, profiles generated and property boundaries adjusted. Secure, efficient, cost effective planning is ensured.