Keeping the proverbial lights on is no small task. Electric utilities go to great lengths to ensure safe, reliable energy. Maintaining the distribution network in the midst of increasing demand for both energy output as well as infrastructure demand is a vast undertaking. Eric Merten, Director of Professional Services- Private Markets, explains how innovative solutions at Quantum Spatial are improving speed, accuracy, and value in comparison to traditional boots-on-the-ground methods of assessment and inspection. Read the full article at Utility Dive. Excerpt below:
This data can be replicated identically pole after pole, and year after year, to gain an understanding of the assets’ condition, surrounding environment and use over time.
This detailed information can reduce the amount of time it takes for inspections. For example, in some cases, utilities can perform a full clearance analysis on 10,000 poles in just two months — four to six times faster than it can achieve with boots on the ground.
It also takes human error out of the measurement process, with LiDAR providing a “digital twin” with measurements that are systematic and repeatable.