Forest Biomass Detection Along Power Transmission Lines (UAV)

Power transmission lines play a crucial role in the distribution of electricity.

The emergence of drone technology has opened up new possibilities in surveying and inspection, and there is a growing interest in using drones for transmission line surveys.

The goal of one recent survey was to determine whether it is possible to survey transmission lines and the land beneath them using drones.

The survey was conducted along the route of the transmission line, including poles, cables, and the land beneath the transmission line.

Forest Biomass Detection: High-Resolution Terrain Model

The drone used in the survey was equipped with a camera and a photogrammetry software that could stitch together multiple images to create a high-resolution aerial photograph of the location.

This photograph provided a detailed view of the transmission line and the vegetation beneath it.

In addition to the aerial photograph, a high-resolution terrain model was also created.

This terrain model provided an accurate representation of the land beneath the transmission line, which was essential for determining the distance between the lines and the terrain.

Furthermore, a point cloud was generated, which comprised a measurable 3D model of the area surveyed.

This point cloud enabled precise measurement of the distance from the transmission lines to underlying brush, roads, houses, and other infrastructure.

The survey also produced longitudinal and cross-sections of the transmission line, based on the point cloud.

These sections provided an accurate representation of the transmission line and its relationship to the surrounding environment.

By combining the high-resolution aerial photograph, the terrain model, the point cloud, and the longitudinal and cross-sections of the transmission line, the survey provided a comprehensive view of the transmission line and the land beneath it.

Drones for Transmission Line Surveys

The use of drones for transmission line surveys offers several advantages over traditional survey methods.

It is much quicker and more efficient than manual surveying, as drones can cover large areas in a relatively short amount of time.

Also, it is safer, as it eliminates the need for personnel to work in hazardous conditions.

Additionally, the use of drones can result in a higher level of accuracy, as the aerial photograph and terrain model provide a more detailed and accurate view of the transmission line and the surrounding environment.

In conclusion, the survey demonstrated that it is possible to survey transmission lines and the land beneath them using drones.

The survey produced a high-resolution aerial photograph, a high-resolution terrain model, a point cloud, and longitudinal and cross-sections of the transmission line, enabling precise measurement of the distance between the lines and the terrain.

As such, the use of drones for transmission line surveys is likely to become more prevalent in the future.