Electronic Computer Program Permits Optimized Spotting of Electric Transmission Towers

A recently developed computer program will position both angle-and tangent-type towers on any given terrain. The towers are so positioned that the optimum cost per foot of line may be obtained, consistent with predetermined tower heights and types. Basically, the program's tower spotting procedure consists of a mathematical simulation of the established manual method of moving a transparent parabolic-shaped template, representing the conductor sag, along a profile representative of existing terrain features. This program is written in Fortran for use on an International Business Machines Corporation 704-32K digital computer.