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A new method for routing electric transmission lines is being developed by a multidisciplinary team. The method will accelerate the public involvement portion of the line routing process, and greatly increase the chances of public acceptance of the line. This paper summarizes the features of the geographical landscape that influence the route of a line. These features are then incorporated into a "decision landscape," computed and displayed by means of a raster-based Geographic Information System

Transmission line construction is one of the most complex engineering projects, and routing a line may be more difficult than siting any other public infrastructure. The system now used by utilities is time consuming and often does not produce satisfactory results. Actual construction of a large transmission line can be completed in a year or two, but due to the complex approval procedure, and opposition from various groups, it can take years to complete a line, and in some cases projects are stopped altogether. The geographic information system (GIS) is already used in several ways by transmission line designers, but its use in routing is limited. A new GIS routing method is being developed that will enhance public involvement in the routing process, reduce opposition from stakeholders, and increase the probability of acceptance of a project. This presentation addresses the engineering background needed for line planning, design, and routing. This includes the features of the physical landscape that affect the route of the line, including non-point features that are independent of terrain. A brief introduction is given to the main legal requirements involved in line routing, and potential stakeholders are identified