Vegetation Management

As a part of NERC Compliance, Transmission Owners must have a vegetation management program to prevent transmission line contact with vegetation.

Using LiDAR technology and PLS-CADD’s Danger Tree algorithms, W.I.R.E. Services can identify danger trees for grow-in conditions and simulated falling trees.  These danger tree locations can be overlaid on orthorectified images showing the exact trees which are hazardous to the transmission line.

What are the advantages of Danger Tree Analysis using LiDAR?

  • Danger tree analysis can be more cost effective than clear cutting
  • All danger trees outside of the ROW are identified.  Clear cutting the ROW doesn’t solve this problem.
  • Trees inside the ROW which do not pose a risk to the transmission line are not identified for removal.
  • Plan and Profiles showing danger tree locations are created.  These Plan and Profiles can be given to field staff which clearly shows which trees need to be removed.
  • Removing only the danger trees is more environmentally friendly than clear cutting the ROW.