Engineering Aspects of Transmission Line Routing

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