Case Study
From Network Data to Vegetation Risk Intelligence
The Client
Lansing Board of Water & Light is a municipally owned utility based in Michigan, USA. The organisation is taking a proactive approach to modernising how it manages and understands its network, with a focus on improving visibility, reliability, compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Summary
NM Group supported Lansing Board of Water & Light with a comprehensive aerial survey programme, combining LiDAR and thermal imaging with classified and modelled line data.
The project delivered fully classified network data, PLS-CADD™ line models and vegetation encroachment insights, all made accessible through Caydence®, NM Group’s 3D network visualisation platform.
By bringing network assets, vegetation risks and surrounding environments into one interactive view, Caydence helps the utility assess conditions, prioritise vegetation management and communicate more clearly with customers and the wider community.
The platform also provides a foundation for future refresh surveys, enabling the utility to compare network conditions over time and quantify improvements following vegetation management activity.
Testimonial
“Caydence gives us a clearer way to understand vegetation risks across our network and communicate why action is needed. The ability to visualise conditions and compare future survey results will help us make more informed decisions and demonstrate progress over time.”
The Challenge
Municipal utilities are under increasing pressure to modernise operations, improve reliability and manage vegetation-related risk more effectively across their networks.
For Lansing Board of Water & Light, a more data-driven approach was needed to improve visibility of network conditions, surrounding environments and potential vegetation encroachments.
The utility also required information that could support compliance with NERC standards, enable more informed decision-making and improve communication with customers where vegetation management work may be required.
The Solution
NM Group delivered a comprehensive aerial survey programme using LiDAR and thermal imaging technologies to capture accurate network and environmental data.
The deliverables included fully classified and modelled lines in PLS-CADD™, along with vegetation encroachment information to support risk assessment and prioritisation.
This data was also delivered through Caydence®, giving the utility an interactive 3D environment to visualise network assets, vegetation risks and surrounding conditions. Caydence provides a practical tool for internal planning and external communication, helping teams explain where vegetation work is needed and why it matters for network reliability and safety.
The Results
Clearer Vegetation Risk Prioritisation
The utility gained a more structured view of vegetation encroachments, helping teams identify where intervention is most urgent and direct resources to the areas of highest network risk.
Stronger Operational Decision-Making
Classified LiDAR data, thermal insights and PLS-CADD™ line models gave teams reliable network information to support planning, maintenance and compliance-related decisions.
Improved Customer Communication
Through Caydence®, teams can visually explain where vegetation management is needed and why, supporting clearer conversations with customers and the wider community.
A Measurable Basis for Future Improvement
Future refresh surveys can help the utility compare conditions over time and quantify improvements, such as reductions in high-priority vegetation infringements after work is completed.