Can overhead tranmission lines be located via sattelite imagery?

In summary, overhead transmission lines can be located via satellite imagery, depending on the satellite used. The actual wires may not be visible, but the pylons and path of the lines can be seen, especially in more remote areas where tree cutting has occurred. Google Earth offers satellite images, but they also have aerial photos at a higher resolution of 2 ft/pixel which can show the power lines and towers clearly. Even on lower resolution satellite images, long straight features can be detected with image processing techniques. This is known as super resolution.
  • #1
Starwatcher16
53
0
Not really sure if this is the place for this, but can overhead tranmission lines be located via sattelite imagery?
 
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  • #2
Depending on the satellite - yes

You aren't going to see the actual wires unless there is a fault and you have military grade IR.
But the pylons and especially the path of the lines does show up very well - especially cross country. In most places the power company will also cut back trees for a certain distance around the lines and a 10m wide perfectly straight cutback path across a forest shows up very well even on extremely low res imaging.
 
  • #3
Look for yourself on google earth.
 
  • #4
flatmaster said:
Look for yourself on google earth.

Where does google Earth get the images? Are they all really satellite photos?
 
  • #5
Google Earth arent all satellite images, they phase into aerial photo shots. No idea at what altitude though.
 
  • #6
Starwatcher16 said:
Not really sure if this is the place for this, but can overhead tranmission lines be located via sattelite imagery?
Where google support's their higher resolutions ( 2 ft/pixel) yes, certainly. I had occasion to track a power line in my area for miles. The line itself is not necessarily visible, though it's shadow often is, and the towers of course always are at 2ft/pixel and less.
 
  • #7
Even on the much lower resolution satelite pictures you can 'see' long straight features that are much less than one pixel with some image processing.
A change in brightness of a few % in each pixel spread over 100s of pixels in a line is easily detectable - it's called super resolution.
 

What is the purpose of locating overhead transmission lines via satellite imagery?

The purpose of locating overhead transmission lines via satellite imagery is to accurately map the location and route of power lines for maintenance, planning, and monitoring purposes. This technology can also aid in identifying potential issues or hazards on the power line route.

How does satellite imagery help in locating overhead transmission lines?

Satellite imagery uses high-resolution images captured from space to identify and locate overhead transmission lines. The images are analyzed using specialized software to identify the power lines and their route. This process is much faster and more efficient than manual ground surveys.

What are the benefits of using satellite imagery for locating overhead transmission lines?

The benefits of using satellite imagery for locating overhead transmission lines include increased accuracy, time-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety. It also allows for the monitoring of power line conditions and potential issues without the need for physical inspection.

Can satellite imagery accurately locate overhead transmission lines in all weather conditions?

Yes, satellite imagery can accurately locate overhead transmission lines in all weather conditions. The images are captured using infrared technology, which is not affected by weather conditions such as fog, clouds, or rain. This makes it a reliable method for locating power lines, regardless of the weather.

Are there any limitations to using satellite imagery for locating overhead transmission lines?

While satellite imagery is an effective tool for locating overhead transmission lines, it does have its limitations. The quality of the images may be affected by factors such as cloud cover, satellite resolution, and the angle at which the images were captured. Additionally, the location and route of power lines may be obscured by vegetation or man-made structures, making it more difficult to accurately identify them.

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