Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System Tools for better O&M of Power Transmission Infrastructure

The paper presents the monitoring of power transmission infrastructure by integration of Remote Sensing (RS) technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Image Processing to bolster the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of operation and maintenance (O&M) practices within large and widespread asset base of power transmission infrastructure. The integration of RS and GIS technologies offers a comprehensive solution for monitoring, analysing, and managing power transmission assets, leading to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced decision-making capabilities. Paper delves into the key components of RS and GIS applications, their advantages in the context of power transmission infrastructure, and case studies demonstrating successful implementations. It discusses about various applications, methodologies, and benefits of employing these advanced tools for proactive monitoring, timely maintenance, and improved decision-making in power transmission and distribution systems. Various open source/proprietary tools and vector/raster data layers which are helpful for remote sensing applications such as vegetation management, optimal transmission line routing, asset mapping, and vulnerability assessment etc. are available in different resolution for utilizing the benefits of RS, GIS, and image processing.

Transmission line route alignment is one such application, wherein the GIS technology is used to explore multiple alternate routes in very short time and an informed decision can be taken to optimise the transmission line route. In this process, requirement of physical survey is reduced drastically resulting in time and cost saving.

Another application implemented is vegetation management using image processing on latest satellite images or drone images. This technique identifies and focus on the vulnerable stretches of the transmission line where encroachment of trees in the RoW may occur frequently. Further the use of RS and GIS is helpful in river meandering study for analysis of the change in the river course over time and monitoring of the vulnerable towers in the vicinity of the rivers, using historical satellite data.