ITC Midwest Conducting Aerial LiDAR Research of High-Voltage Transmission Lines
September 13, 2021 | ITC Midwest
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Sept. 13, 2021) – ITC Midwest will conduct aerial LiDAR research of high-voltage transmission structures and lines throughout southeast Iowa during the second half of September, weather permitting. Through an innovative collaboration, this research work is being conducted for ITC Midwest by the University of Iowa Technology Institute.
LiDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging, which is a remote sensing method that uses light to measure distances from objects to the ground to create a three-dimensional data set. In this case, the University of Iowa Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL) will research the use of LiDAR technology to accurately map ITC Midwest’s electric transmission system. The resulting system will help ITC Midwest maintain a safe and reliable electric transmission grid and facilitate repairs following storms.
The aerial research will cover the company’s rural lines in areas surrounding the communities of Calamus, Camanche, Clarence, Clinton, DeWitt, Eldridge, Grand Mound, Kalona, Long Grove, Lowden, Mechanicsville, Mount Vernon, Riverside, Solon, Stanwood, Tipton, Walcott, West Branch and West Liberty.
The flights will be conducted using a PZL Mi-2 twin-turbine helicopter with dark green and tan camouflage paint. The aerial research will be conducted at low altitudes of 300 to 400 feet to ensure research integrity. This is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines during the time frame listed above.
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About ITC Midwest
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri, and holds utility status in Wisconsin. ITC Midwest is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and maintains regional operating facilities in Dubuque, Iowa City and Perry, Iowa; and Albert Lea and Lakefield, Minnesota. For further information visit WWW.ITC-HOLDINGS.COM. ITC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information visit WWW.FORTISINC.COM.
Media Contact: Rod Pritchard (319-350-9255, RPRITCHARD@ITCTRANSCO.COM)