2010-04-15
Aerial surveys support management of power line infrastructure
The accelerating global awareness for alternative energy may create short term opportunities for the installation of systems and solutions in industrial and residential communities in first world countries. However, these remain cost prohibitive in fast growing developing communities in Africa and elsewhere, rendering alternative energy sources to be a remote substitute for traditional forms of power distribution, at least for now. The power distribution industry plays a major part in employment in these communities, from manufacturing and installation to aerial surveying of sites.
Using conventional surveying methods to asses hundreds of kilometres of overhead power lines can take up to several years. The surveying industry has matured in recent years, mainly as a result of advances made in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Aerial surveying saves valuable time, money and resources. Southern Mapping Company (SMC) completed several power line surveys in Africa, using Lidar to derive a digital terrain model and digital ortho-photos to obtain a map of the specific areas.
“The processed data has been handed over to our clients and can now be used to evaluate their current power line infrastructure, therefore aiding them in effectively managing current- and planned infrastructure. This information proves vital in assessing environmental hazards adjacent to power lines,” says Peter Moir, Chief Executive Officer of SMC.
A key goal of the overhead power line design process is to ensure that an adequate clearance between conductors and the ground is maintained, in order to prevent dangerous contact with the line. Initial design also requires prior consideration of the conductor temperature, which can increase due to escalating heat from electrical currents flowing through it, forming more slack in the lines between the towers. Consequently the minimum overhead clearance should be maintained for safety and requires proper consideration and planning beforehand.
Tower structure foundations can be large and costly, particularly if the ground conditions are poor, such as those in wetlands. Structures can be stabilised considerably with the use of guy wires to counteract some of the forces applied by the conductors, but adds to overall costing.
“Accurate research done on building locations of towers can reduce costs considerably,” says Moir. He adds that proper project management can only be done when accurate survey data is on hand.
About Southern Mapping Company
SMC provides topographic surveys and mapping to assist a variety of industries and sectors. These include civil engineering and infrastructure development, mineral explorations and mine management, environmental planning and rehabilitation, and urban and agricultural planning. The company operates worldwide, but specialises throughout Africa. SMC’s staff were amongst the first in the world to combine Lidar with aerial photography and now have added hyperspectral to their product offering. For more information about Southern Mapping Company please visit www.southernmapping.com.