The Utilization of Satellite Images to Identify Trees Endangering Transmission Lines

• Published in: IEEE transactions on power delivery Vol. 24; no. 3; pp. 1703 - 1709
• Main Authors: Kobayashi, Y., Karady, G.G., Heydt, G.T., Olsen, R.G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01-07-2009; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Conductors; Conductors (devices); Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Image analysis; Image color analysis; Interference; Miscellaneous; Overhead conductors; Overhead networks; Pixel; Pixels; Power networks and lines; power transmission; Programming; satellite images; Satellites; Scanning; Software prototyping; transmission engineering; Transmission lines; tree trimming; Trees; Vegetation; Vegetation mapping; Prototype; Electric energy transportation; Software development; Power transmission; Aerial cable; Satellite; transmission engineering; Case study; tree trimming; Transmission line; Feasibility; Overhead line; Overhead conductors; Power transmission line; satellite images
• ISSN: 0885-8977; 1937-4208
• DOI: 10.1109/TPWRD.2009.2022664

This paper introduces an innovative concept for the use of multispectral stereo pair of satellite images to identify dangerous trees and plants along overhead transmission rights of way. Multispectral satellite images of the right of way are scanned automatically and the color (wavelength) of each pixel is analyzed. This scanning identifies healthy vegetation which may contain trees that endanger the line. Using multispectral stereo images, the height of each pixel is determined and the distance from the conductor is calculated. When this distance is less than the danger zone surrounding the conductors, the identified object or tree is assumed to endanger the line. Case studies using satellite images in the vicinity of Scottsdale, AZ and San Diego, CA demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method. Details are given for prototype software development for satellite image scanning to determine tree interference with overhead transmission lines.