The application of air and ground based laser mapping systems to transmission line corridor surveys

The ability to reliably and accurately locate and survey objects while moving or without physically occupying them is the key to the productivity of the FLI-MAP and TruckMAP laser mapping systems. These advanced technology systems incorporate OTF kinematic GPS, GPS-aided attitude, and reflectorless laser range finding sensors into complete remote sensing survey platforms. The FLI-MAP system is a helicopter-based laser scanning system capable of collecting 5000 geo-referenced data points per second at typical survey speeds of 40 knots. The TruckMAP system is a van-based mobile mapping system capable of collecting survey data in a point and acquire fashion. The combination of these two complementary systems is an unmatchable solution to mapping and surveying electric transmission line corridors in a quick, precise, and cost-effective way. This paper presents the systems and technologies they employ as well as the operational data collecting and processing issues. A case study of a recent transmission line survey is presented to demonstrate the applicability of these technologies to corridor mapping and surveying.