A Case Study: Workflow Analysis of Powerline Systems for Risk Management

The case study deals with the challenges faced by utility companies in the implementation of automated approaches with regards to power line maintenance. This paper considers the use of two emerging technologies i.e. direct multiple viewing digital cameras and LIDAR - to address a facet of this challenge. Direct geo-referenced digital cameras and Airborne-LIDAR are presented as aids for management of vegetation in Right-Of-Way of a utility: to assess the change in vegetation over a given time period and to maintain necessary clearances between power lines & surrounding vegetation. The method of operation of power line companies is affected by Digitizing LIDAR waveforms. Here, the paper highlights the advantages & drawbacks which may be faced by utility firms in the leveraging of this new technology. The paper also assesses new surveying technique with consideration to the national regulations and risk management cycle to confirm that it allows utility companies in fulfilling the policy requirements regarding power line safety. This study aims at introducing a workflow which can be followed by utilities for various vegetation management programs. This workflow is intended to provide utility companies with a cost-effective technique for efficient management of their Utility management programs for Vegetation.