Merrick Completing As-Built Transmission Line Mapping

Data Acquired Using Multiple Sensor Helicopter Mounted Platform

Aurora, CO March, 2, 2011 – Merrick & Companys geospatial mapping and technologies unit is completing a high density, aerial light detection and ranging (LiDAR) as-built survey of a 132-mile double circuit 345kV line in the western U.S. The work is being done under a contract to Stanley Consultants, Inc.

The data was collected using a helicopter platform equipped with a multiple sensor pod configuration. On this project, in addition to providing PLS-CADD formatted LiDAR data, the team simultaneously collected nadir imagery and high resolution oblique imagery which was used in the detailed classification of the transmission line features. This newer, high density, multiple sensor approach to airborne data acquisition is well-suited to mapping power transmission corridors and electric transmission operators are increasingly looking to utilize this data collection methodology to meet the North American Electric Reliability Corporations (NERC) reliability and clearance standards.

Merrick & Company, an $100 million geospatial, engineering, architecture, design-build, and surveying firm, serves domestic and international clients by providing geospatial technologies, products, and services for the infrastructure, energy, and security markets. The firms most recent work includes providing terrestrial scanning for an electrical substation for Xcel Energy and acquiring light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data for F.E. Warren Air Force Base and for a wind farm located in Kansas. Merrick maintains eight offices in the U.S. as well as two offices in Mexico and an office in Canada.

More information about Merricks GeoSpatial & Surveying Solutions business unit is located at Merrick GeoSpatial Solutions.