3D Imagery and AI Deliver Future Grid Capabilities

Most electric utilities are coming to grips with the urgent need for complete, accurate, and timely system models to support the host of functions required for the future grid. As utilities reach toward functional digital twins, they are seeking modern ways to improve their processes and workflows.  

Pat Hohl: I recently met Jordan Kincaid when he explained how GeoDigital used advanced technology to create a fully connected 3D GIS model for an electric utility. That’s not easy and represents much work - Jordan how did this come to reality?   

Jordan Kincaid: We gathered information about the distribution network using LiDAR and high-quality images taken by our GridMapper data collection platform. We looked at each pole and wire in the service area and created a detailed GIS connectivity model with poles, equipment, and other important details. 

We believe every utility will both want and need to model their as-built condition in 3D to digitize electric operations and maximize GIS engagement.

Pat Hohl: What problem does this approach solve?  

Jordan Kincaid: Having accurate and up-to-date network data is crucial for a reliable future grid. Adopting the Esri Utility Network, which has 3D capabilities, is important in achieving this goal. Utility companies can replace paper maps with the Utility Network data model or uplift their existing geometric network to a higher fidelity in preparation for a Utility Network migration. Accurate network models support outage management and enable ADMS.

 LiDAR technology clearly depicts the true physical as-built condition, ensuring proper connectivity of all equipment.  

Pat Hohl: What makes this approach unique? 

Jordan Kincaid: Utilities face an ongoing challenge of maintaining accurate connectivity, which is why many have turned to the GIS Utility Network. It is the optimal way to manage, store, and share network models. During this journey though, many utilities have discovered that their current GIS data models are not as accurate or complete as they need to be. 

In the past, the solution was to perform a costly and time-consuming "field inventory" by manually collecting data on poles, wires, and other relevant assets through physical measurements and GPS points. This process had accuracy issues and was not cost-effective. 

Our approach utilizes LiDAR and imagery data to create a complete 3D digital twin of the distribution network. LiDAR technology automatically identifies poles and wires, which are then represented in 3D with remarkable precision. High-resolution imagery, artificial intelligence, and virtual inspection are used to build an accurate inventory of assets and extract essential attributes like transformer kVA or wire information to complete the network model. Because the digital model is 3D, phasing relationships and connectivity are established and traced with precision throughout the entire network. 

This methodology is a more modern and effective way to map complex distribution systems than traditional field inventory. It is a scalable solution that ensures accurate modeling of the distribution sytem and accelerates Utility Network adoption.

LiDAR overlaid on imagery enables fast accurate inspections and a complete virtual utility environment. 

 Pat Hohl: How do you expect utilities will apply this capability, and what impacts can they anticipate?  

Jordan Kincaid:  There are really two types of utilities that can apply these capabilities meaningfully: 

1. Our process is here to assist utilities with limited GIS quality to quickly and accurately model their transmission and distribution networks within their GIS. Our capability provides a permanent solution even if they currently lack complete data or if their data quality has degraded over time. Once the LiDAR and imagery dataset are integrated, it can also be utilized in other workflows like vegetation management, asset management, inspection, joint use, and engineering.  

2. Utility companies can improve their most important maintenance workflows by using LiDAR and imagery datasets, especially if they already have a reliable GIS system. This data creates a digital twin, providing the latest information, improving safety, reliability, and overall operations. 

    

Pat Hohl: Can you provide a brief example?   

Jordan Kincaid: Sure! I’d like to provide two examples actually: 

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) worked with GeoDigital to create their digital network using this technology and process. The Utility Network helped them manage their connectivity more easily and begin the implementation of advanced applications like OMS and ADMS. Previously, they were using manual processes and CAD maps, which made it difficult to use digital tools effectively and integrate systems.  

DLC accelerated its journey by establishing a comprehensive GIS connectivity model. They successfully integrated their entire distribution network in less than two years and now boast a complete asset inventory with highly accurate primary and secondary topology. This technology allowed them to successfully utilize the GIS model for OMS (Outage Management System), and they have not encountered any errors in their Utility Network.  

Users access LiDAR and 360-degree imagery within ArcGIS Pro via GeoDigital’s “Esri Connect Add-In.” A true digital twin in the Utility Network.

DLC staff view 3D LiDAR imagery of their distribution assets within the ArcGIS platform, along with the Utility Network data, providing a “single pane of glass” experience. The tool allows DLC to easily share data within the organization using web and mobile apps. It has resulted in fewer truck rolls needed to review field conditions and access information – effectively improving efficiency. Integrating a complete digital twin is a necessary step that will enable DLC to implement future grid modernization efforts.  

Another utility we work with uses LiDAR to support its distribution vegetation management strategy. Their existing GIS and OMS records are pretty good, so we can more easily combine our LiDAR-derived vegetation analytics with their GIS and outage history to paint a complete picture of the condition of their network.  

This tool can predict the likelihood and impact of a power outage caused by vegetation in any area it serves. It aids in making better decisions for managing vegetation and improving service reliability. It's a very useful feature – a real-time digital twin! 

 Digitizing vegetation workflows at scale improves reliability 

 Pat Hohl: Thank you for a fascinating look at state-of-the-art analysis. Where can readers look for more information?  

 Jordan Kincaid: Readers can reach out to me directly at [email protected] to learn more. And you can find us online (geodigital.com) or at most industry events and conferences too! 

Jordan is passionate about helping utilities leverage geospatial data. He graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Economics and from the Georgia Institute of Technology with an MBA in Strategy and Finance. GeoDigital is an industry leader in 3D remote sensing technology and asset management.