PLS-CADD™ Models

Features of a Network Mapping PLS-CADD™ Model

As-built Conductor and Tower Survey

We will capture a height resolution, high accuracy point cloud of your assets. The point cloud is used to produce a vectorized model on a computer that will include structural models of the towers and the exact catenary of each conductor.

Loading Scenarios

We use line load data, ground based weather station data, and in-flight meteorological data to calculate the conductor temperate at the time of flight. In the US, the temperature is calculated to IEEE standard 738. The as-surveyed conductor temperature is combined with the as-surveyed conductor location in the computer model. The conductors can then be graphically sagged to different positions, such as that of maximum sag during peak loading.

Weather Scenarios

The impact of weather on both conductors and structures is modelled in PLS-CADD™ and applied in various ways, including infringement analysis and tower load analysis. We are able simulate conductor sway in still air and wind from different directions at varying velocities. We can determine the effect of differential ice loading in adjacent spans on conductor sag.

Feature Coding and Clearance Analysis

All items within the transmission line corridor will be coded according to a schema provided by the client. For example, vegetation points may be recorded as class '207', and highways class '165'. This allows the computer to distinguish between the LiDAR points. Within PLS-CADD™, required clearance distances are set for each code value, enabling us to conduct checks for both hard and soft infringements. These checks can be conducted under numerous combinations of loading and weather scenarios.

Staking Table and Parts List

The staking table and parts list ensures that a full inventory of existing assets is available in just one place, the PLS-CADD™ model.

The staking table records the exact geographic coordinates of each tower, together with information such as tower type, tower ID, structure height, station, and length of span to the next tower.

The parts list is a database of all physical parts along the entire length of the transmission line, and the benefits of this data are numerous.

For example, when a defect report is received on a type X201 clamp, all occurrences on a system can be tracked and the necessary measures adopted.

For existing and proposed assets the staking table and parts list is invaluable in ordering the materials for the line build in an efficient and ordered manner.

The PLS-CADD™ model can easily handle your material and accounting needs, and will integrate readily with an existing database.

Plan and Profile Sheets

In new line routing and design, a critical element is the export of plan and profile sheets of 'the design' for evaluation and dissemination to construction crews.

The sheets enable version control and an audit history, all just one click away.

These can also be readily produced from as-built LiDAR/ PLS-CADD™ models. An example of this is displayed to the right.

Orthorectified Imagery

The PLS-CADD™ model is displayed against orthorectified imagery of the complete survey corridor. As the imagery is orthorectified it has the geometric properties of a map, and measurements can be taken straight from this.

Forward Looking Imagery

We are able to take a high resolution oblique image of each tower during flight, and attach these to the tower they represent within the PLS-CADD™ model. This is used as an asset record and as a means for visual inspection by engineers.