Aerial survey
BPI has developed a comprehensive aerial survey capability utilising the latest LiDAR and HD imaging technology. Our aerial survey datasets can be gathered from either helicopter or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms using forward and downward imagery, giving flexible survey options depending on route length, area or location. Our systems allow the data to be incorporated within a number of our departments to provide design services for overhead line, HV cable, substation and civil engineering projects.
This aerial survey service has been used to deliver numerous projects throughout the UK, notably the survey of over 1,000km of overhead lines and 35km² of substation/civils infrastructure.
The LiDAR aerial system provides data acquisition with minimal impact in terms of both time and access requirements. BPI’s LiDAR survey specification allows it to be tailored to the needs of the project, ensuring the highest quality dataset on which to base the design.
For overhead line and cable projects a wide survey swathe (200m+) can be flown at a rate of up to 100km per day. This swathe enables overhead line designers to produce several route options and develop multiple iterations without the need for additional high cost return survey visits.
The high definition survey deliverables allow detailed fly through of the existing environment and proposed designs. These are utilised by all parties; the client, consents, environmentalists and construction engineers, working as a team to produce the best constructible, cost-effective overhead line/cable design solution.
For substation or civil projects where the highest accuracy survey information is required, additional ground control can be utilised. This is used in the LiDAR processing to increase the accuracy of the point cloud to better than 25mm, allowing precise measurement and modelling of infrastructure and clearances. The aerial platform means the survey poses no shutdown requirements on the network and can be used to survey hazardous or restricted sites without putting the operators at risk.
Our services
- Overhead line design
- HV cable design
- Civil engineering design
UK LiDAR Project video
Our clients
We have recently completed over 1,000 km of overhead line LiDAR survey and designs for 11, 33 and 132kV projects for a major DNO. The design included refurbishment of existing lines as well as the routing and design of new overhead lines. A complete design pack was produced for each of the projects.
Why BPI
We believe in working closely with the client at every stage of a project. Our design engineers have many years’ experience on numerous projects both in the UK and internationally and will ensure that your expectations are not just met, but surpassed. A number of the design team have worked with major power transmission and distribution companies and are familiar not only with design requirements, but also the wayleave, consents and operational issues that must be addressed before any design can be completed for construction.
