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Pole Position
The City of Huntingburg wanted to collect accurate positional data and detailed information for each of the electric utility poles that it maintains within the City of Huntingburg Electric Utility Distribution System.
First, research was conducted on the type of GPS data collection equipment that would be needed. A Trimble handheld GPS receiver was selected for its ease of use, its ability to collect accurate data, and also for its reasonable cost.
Next was updating the inventory of electric utility poles within the City’s distribution system, approximately 4,000 electric poles in all. The data collected about each electric pole included: the geospatial location, tag number, year the pole was manufactured, height, classification, number and size of any transformers on the pole, type and wattage of street lights, and the electrical circuit that the pole is located on. In addition, an updated photo of the electric pole was taken.
Results
As a result of the project, each pole was given an ID facilitating street light or transformer replacement, and even 811 calls. The process also revealed that close to 1,000 poles had been misidentified as belonging to the city.
Having the locations and detail on all the electric poles means the City can respond faster to major problems during a natural disaster - thunderstorms, tornados, ice storms, etc. – when a significant amount of damage can occur. Having detailed data on the location of each electric pole and what is attached to it, along with a photo of the pole is invaluable. This allows the City of Huntingburg to restore electrical power to its residents as quickly as possible.