SaskPower Aerial Survey and Vegetation Analysis
KBM has been providing aerial survey and mapping services to SaskPower continuously since 2012. During this period, KBM has mapped SaskPower’s entire transmission network (13,500 km), completed as-built surveys for newly constructed lines, and performed periodic base map validation surveys to maintain data currency. Airborne data collection includes LiDAR, high resolution orthoimagery with stereo coverage, high resolution oblique photography, georeferenced video, and meteorological data collection. Acquired LiDAR data is classified and used to generate elevation models, PLS-CADD models of transmission assets, and vegetation analysis for at risk foliage growing towards the lines. KBM also delivers an online web application to SaskPower which hosts their asset data and allows for dynamic report generation and downloading of various datasets.
Asset Mapping
KBM supports SaskPower in asset mapping of transmission lines by capturing high-resolution orthoimagery with stereo coverage and applying advanced GIS techniques and stereo interpretation to accurately verify and update existing infrastructure. Newly constructed transmission lines are also mapped from structure locations and seamlessly integrated with all related datasets to ensure a complete and up-to-date network record.
Vegetation Analysis
LiDAR is widely used in utility corridors to monitor vegetation growth and maintain safe clearances from conductor wires. KBM acquires LiDAR to provide a 3D view of the canopy, understory, and ground surfaces. This enables accurate measurement of growth from the ground and distance to the wires. Deliverables include various vegetation polygon modelling layers that identify and classify vegetation infractions based on height above ground, minimum clearance to the wires and potential for vegetation to fall on wires.
Oblique Photography
Each year, KBM captures high-resolution oblique photographs of every structure along SaskPower’s 13,500 km transmission network to help identify potential equipment concerns. Each image is geotagged to the structure’s location, and KBM provides SaskPower with an online platform that hosts the full history of annual oblique photos for every structure.
PLS-CADD Packages
PLS-CADD packages are provided to SaskPower’s engineering department and bundle all project data, including conductor geometry, line configuration, environmental conditions, and more. KBM supports this process by preparing, validating, and delivering these packages in a format that is easily transferable and ready for use.
