National Drones

Drone Powerline Inspections

28 August 2023

Safer, efficient inspections that reveal the condition of your network. We capture high-resolution visual, thermal and LiDAR data, turn it into actionable evidence, and help you prioritise what matters.

Discuss your inspection program
Drone capturing powerline inspection data along a rural corridorField capture
LiDAR point cloud of the same powerline corridorLiDAR intelligence

From inspection to action

  1. Inspect

    Capture detailed visual, thermal and LiDAR data across the corridor safely and efficiently.

  2. Understand

    Reveal asset condition, conductor geometry, vegetation proximity and terrain context.

  3. Act

    Deliver georeferenced findings your team can use to prioritise maintenance and manage risk.

Corridor intelligence

See more. Know more. Risk less.

Move from a visual record of the corridor to measurable 3D evidence.

Field imagery
Aerial field image of a powerline corridor
LiDAR intelligence
Blue LiDAR point cloud of a powerline corridor
  • Conductor sag
  • Vegetation clearance
  • Structure position
  • Corridor terrain

Why inspect powerlines?

Protect network reliability before faults become failures.

Australia's electrical network crosses vast distances and diverse environments. Regular, data-rich inspections help you identify issues early, manage risk and maintain reliable supply.

  • WeatherWind, rain, hail, lightning and extreme heat
  • VegetationTrees and branches growing into clearance zones
  • CorrosionSalt air, industrial pollutants and moisture
  • WildlifeBirds nesting on structures or contacting conductors
  • AgeingDeterioration of poles, crossarms and insulators
  • Mechanical damageVehicle strikes, falling trees and construction activity

Drone inspections reduce the need to work at height or near energised conductors while producing a repeatable record for maintenance and compliance.

Drone inspecting a distribution powerline pole
High-resolution capture provides a close, consistent view of each asset.

Capture, measure, understand

See every detail in its context.

Combine detailed imagery with thermal capture and LiDAR analysis to reveal what is hidden from the ground and understand it in 3D.

Close aerial inspection image of powerline hardware and insulators

Visual inspection

Detailed imagery reveals the condition of poles, crossarms, insulators, conductors and hardware.

SmartData height-coloured LiDAR view of a powerline corridor

LiDAR height analysis

Height-coloured point clouds make conductor geometry, structure lean and terrain relationships measurable.

Classified LiDAR point cloud showing powerline conductors and structures

Classified corridor data

Classified conductors, structures, vegetation and ground turn a dense point cloud into usable network evidence.

SmartData classified powerline corridor point cloud

From data to decisions

Put inspection evidence to work in SmartData.

SmartData brings imagery and LiDAR together so your team can explore the corridor, measure clearances, review findings and move from capture to action with confidence.

  • Georeferenced findings

    Measurements and 3D context stay aligned to the asset location.

  • Integrate with your systems

    Outputs can support GIS and asset-management workflows.

  • Track condition over time

    Consistent data supports maintenance planning, reporting and review.

Explore powerline LiDAR analytics

Related case study

Powerpole inspection

See how drone capture and SmartData supported a clear, asset-by-asset inspection record for a distribution network.

Read the case study
Detailed aerial view of powerpole hardware
Drone inspecting a rural powerline network

Ready to talk about your network?

We'll help you design an inspection program that fits your assets, environment and maintenance priorities.

Discuss your inspection program