As part of ongoing bushfire mitigation programmes across Australia, NM Group delivers aerial LiDAR and high-resolution imagery surveys that provide transmission network operators with a detailed understanding of vegetation and terrain conditions within network corridors.
Through annual survey programmes for a major transmission operator in New South Wales, our team captures and rapidly processes network-wide data to identify and report high-risk vegetation infringements. This enables utilities to gain timely insight into emerging risks and prioritise targeted interventions where they are needed most.
The surveys generate a range of deliverables designed to support vegetation risk management and network resilience, including:
- Classified LiDAR point cloud data for vegetation proximity and clearance assessments
- High-resolution orthorectified imagery for feature identification and desktop analysis
- Oblique structure imagery to support asset condition assessments
- Engineering-ready PLS-CADD models of transmission networks
- Tree canopy mapping to identify areas of elevated vegetation-related bushfire risk
- Clearance and infringement reports tailored to client requirements and standards
When combined with aerial patrols and on-ground inspections, these datasets provide a comprehensive view of network risk across large and often remote transmission corridors.
The value of these programmes lies not only in the quality of the data collected, but also in the speed with which actionable insights can be delivered. By identifying vegetation encroachments early and prioritising maintenance activities based on risk, network operators can improve operational efficiency, support compliance requirements, and reduce the likelihood of vegetation-related fire starts.
With survey activities completed and data delivered, the focus now turns to action. The insights generated through these programmes support targeted vegetation management strategies that help strengthen network resilience and reduce bushfire risk across the transmission network.
As vegetation-related wildfire risk continues to increase globally, utilities in regions such as Australia, California, and other fire-prone areas are increasingly adopting data-driven approaches to asset management and risk mitigation. Advanced aerial surveying and analytics are becoming an important part of ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical infrastructure.
To learn more about NM Group’s aerial surveying, LiDAR, and vegetation risk management services, please contact our team at sales@nmgroup.com.