In an era where utilities are increasingly focused on operational efficiency and risk mitigation, traditional vegetation management methods are being reimagined.
Leveraging remote sensing technologies such as satellite imagery, LiDAR, and drones is transforming how utilities manage vegetation near critical infrastructure.
Moving Beyond Cycles
Traditional vegetation management relies heavily on fixed cycles, such as inspecting and pruning vegetation every five years, often with the goal of covering 20% of the network annually. While this approach provides predictable budgets and scheduling, it seldom achieves full network coverage and can miss high-risk areas.
Alternatives like cycle length optimization and condition-based maintenance bring substantial benefits by targeting activities based on actual risk.
For instance, some circuits might require maintenance every seven or eight years, while others may need annual attention.
These strategies can free up OPEX while reducing overall risk profiles.
However, widespread adoption is hindered by challenges such as budget volatility, regulatory constraints, and organizational inertia.
The Role of Remote Sensing Technologies
Remote sensing technologies are key to enabling advanced vegetation management strategies.
The advent of reusable rockets and miniaturized electronics has changed the economies of low earth orbit and made space-based imaging more accessible and cost-effective.
Technologies like satellite imagery and LiDAR offer utilities powerful tools for monitoring vegetation, assessing risks, and optimizing maintenance workflows.
- Satellite Imagery: Satellites provide cost-effective, frequent, and large-scale data collection. They excel in identifying vegetation risks, such as clearance infringements near power lines, and in prioritizing high-risk areas for further inspection.
- LiDAR: LiDAR systems mounted on aircraft create high-resolution "digital twins" of transmission lines, modeling conductor sag, sway, and nearby vegetation with precision. This provides a high-fidelity engineering base map that other remote sensing techniques can leverage.
- Drones: While initially expected to revolutionize the industry, drones are now primarily used for localized inspections and asset maintenance, offering flexibility for specific tasks.
Challenges in Implementation
Transitioning to data-driven vegetation management is not without obstacles. Key challenges include:
- Budget Volatility: Advanced strategies may lead to uneven spending across years, which can conflict with utilities' preference for flat, predictable budgets.
- Workforce Resistance: Field staff often prefer traditional methods and may resist using new technologies. However, younger, tech-savvy workers are increasingly adopting these tools with ease.
- Contractor Adaptation: Longstanding contractor practices, focused on predictable, routine work, may need adjustment to align with dynamic, risk-based strategies.
The Data-Driven Future
A robust data strategy underpins successful vegetation management transformation. As utilities integrate remote sensing technologies, data scientists play a growing role in analyzing and applying insights.
This shift requires investments in both technology and workforce training to manage the complexity of new systems.
Read also: Combining Satellite Data and LiDAR for UVM (pt 1/3)
Tools in the toolbox
Utilities can develop a remote sensing strategy based on their needs:
- Digital Twin Models: Using LiDAR to create detailed, accurate models of infrastructure and surrounding vegetation. Once established, only about 8% of the network typically undergoes facility change requiring annual updates of the as-builts, providing for a low on-going cost.
- Satellite-Driven Pre-Inspection: Satellites highlight high-risk areas for further investigation, allowing pre-inspectors and tree crews to focus on critical spots efficiently.
- Hybrid Approaches: Combining satellites and LiDAR across different use cases enables utilities to balance coverage, cost, and accuracy effectively.
Read also: Five Reasons Why Vegetation Management Matters and the Role of Satellite Intelligence
Unlocking New Potential
Developing a robust remote sensing strategy unlocks numerous advantages. For example, frequent satellite scans reduce "awareness gaps," ensuring that utilities can address rapidly growing vegetation or mid-cycle issues such as cycle busters. Most outages are now caused by fall-in trees, but the population of possible danger trees is typically too large to take action. Monitoring for vitality and species can make off-ROW fall-in trees actionable in a way that regulators are willing to fund.
By reallocating budgets toward these technologies, utilities can achieve near-complete network monitoring while satisfying both operational and regulatory demands.
Read also: Guide to Ecological Corridor Management for Utilities
Conclusion
Remote sensing technologies are reshaping vegetation management, enabling utilities to move beyond traditional cycles toward smarter, risk-based approaches.
As the industry evolves, utilities must embrace data-driven strategies, invest in technology, and manage workforce transitions to fully realize the benefits of this transformation. By doing so, they can enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve service reliability.
The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, utilities can navigate this shift and lead the way in vegetation management innovation.
To dive deeper into these insights and explore how remote sensing is revolutionizing vegetation management, watch the full webinar recording. Gain access to actionable strategies and expert advice by clicking here.
