May 13, 2016 -- In an industry first, Harris Corporation and NM Group now offer Geiger-mode LiDAR for aerially mapping power networks. This emergent technology allows large geographic areas to be acquired in a single economic flight.

LiDAR is an established technique for companies operating and maintaining electricity networks. It can improve the safety, reliability and capacity of a network through processes such as mapping the location of conductors and checking safe clearances to ground, vegetation and buildings. However some distribution utilities have struggled to economically acquire LiDAR data, yet could realize the same benefits.

Harris Corporation have recently introduced Geiger-mode LiDAR to the world. This unique LiDAR technology captures accurate, dense point data at high altitude. This means power networks can be acquired in days, collecting data suitable for a wide range of applications including those required by electricity utilities.

Entire network survey data contains millions of measured points with very large data volumes. These are unwieldy and can be difficult to manipulate into usable information. For over 10 years NM Group have been refining methods to convert LiDAR data into practical reports for the utility - giving simple answers and actionable outputs. This includes accurately mapping pole locations, calculating transmission line capacity and checking vegetation does not infringe on statutory clearances.