New handheld tool combines GNSS position, LIDAR modeling as well as compass laser range data

El Paso Electric transmission engineers report that a new handheld vegetation management monitoring device, the Aerotec Top Gun Veg-Tool, promises significant improvements and savings in vegetation management along its transmission lines. The new tool is a lightweight, single-operator device that from a single spot can be used to take shots of multiple trees within a given span to provide accurate and easy-to-read vegetation clearance information. The all-in-one device integrates Laser Technology’s TruPulse® 360 laser rangefinder and compass data, TOPCON’s GRS-1 GNSS position data, LIDAR-supplied multiple surface databases and GIS management software.  More...

Vegetation Management is and has been a hot topic for the Utilities departments for years. Overgrown trees with overhanging branches have cost them a bundle in both the United States and Canada. Blackouts have caused major problems for individuals, businesses and public institutions and the main cause is due to improper vegetation management. More...