Utility projects often begin with a deceptively simple question:
What does the site actually look like?
For projects covering miles of terrain, existing substations, transmission corridors or complicated facilities, answering that question accurately can require far more than a few field measurements.
LiDAR and other three-dimensional surveying technologies give project teams another way to document those conditions before major design and construction decisions are made.
What is LiDAR?
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging.
The technology sends laser pulses toward surfaces and measures their return, creating detailed spatial information about terrain, structures and other objects.
Depending on the application, LiDAR can be collected from aircraft, drones, vehicles or ground-based equipment. The resulting measurements can be processed into point clouds, terrain models and other deliverables used by surveyors, engineers and project teams.
The U.S. Geological Survey uses LiDAR extensively through its 3D Elevation Program and identifies infrastructure applications including route, grade, utility and corridor surveys. (USGS)
Why is LiDAR useful for utility projects?
Electric utility work frequently involves large or complicated physical environments.
Transmission projects cover long corridors. Substations contain dense combinations of structures and equipment. Terrain affects access and construction planning. Vegetation, roads, existing utilities and elevation changes can all influence project decisions.
Traditional surveying remains essential, but LiDAR can add a large amount of spatial information to the project record.
USGS has also identified high-resolution elevation information as useful for energy infrastructure siting, hazard assessment and related planning activities. (USGS)
How can better data help before construction?
The earlier project teams understand existing conditions, the earlier they can begin identifying constraints.
Where does the terrain change? What existing structures are present? How does a proposed route interact with roads or other features? Where might access become difficult?
Those questions matter before crews mobilize.
Three-dimensional data can also give engineering, construction and field teams a common visual reference when discussing the project.
The result is not that technology makes every decision automatically. It gives people better information on which to base those decisions.
Are LiDAR and 3D scanning the same thing?
The terms are often used together, but they can describe different collection methods and applications.
LiDAR refers specifically to laser-based ranging technology. “3D scanning” is a broader term that may include terrestrial laser scanners and other methods used to capture physical environments.
Photogrammetry, which builds spatial information from overlapping photographs, is another technology commonly used alongside these tools.
The best method depends on what information the project needs.
Why does timing matter?
Collecting detailed information after design is already advanced limits what a project team can do with it.
Collecting appropriate data earlier allows information about terrain and existing conditions to contribute to planning, engineering, constructability discussions and field coordination from the beginning.
That is what makes these technologies more than visualization tools. Their real value lies in providing useful information at the point when decisions are still being made.
RTR Energy Solutions provides drone and survey services including LiDAR mapping, 3D scanning and other data-collection capabilities for utility and energy projects. (RTR Energy Solutions)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LiDAR measure?
LiDAR uses laser pulses to measure distances to surfaces, producing detailed three-dimensional spatial and elevation information.
How is LiDAR used in utility work?
Applications can include corridor mapping, topographic information, existing-condition documentation, route planning and data collection around transmission, substation and other infrastructure.