Time series analysis of separation for vegetation management around power lines using UAV photogrammetry.

In recent years, several studies have been performed on methods of investigating the periphery of power lines using remote sensing. Among the survey methods using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), those methods are being studied wherein the environment around power lines is photographed by a UAV, and separation measurements are performed by reconstructing the three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud between power lines and the vegetation. Such methods currently rely on reconstructing the power line, making it necessary to acquire images from a position close to the power line. However, by using information available from the power company on the position and structure of pylons and the sag of power lines, it is possible to calculate the position of the power line without 3D reconstruction. In this study, time series management of vegetation around power lines was enabled using the data obtained by UAVs at different times and information on the transmission equipment. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]