Balancing Promise and Pragmatism - Satellite Imagery in Utility Vegetation Management

Authors: John Alford , Yogesh Dhond , Renu Chandel , Matt Thomson , Anand K.

Introduction

Recent wildfires, extreme climate events, and frequent Power outages have highlighted the need for utilities to be more proactive in managing vegetation around power lines.

Traditionally, UVM (Utility Vegetation Management)  has been primarily a reactive or scheduled activity, often constrained by resource limitations and operational hurdles.

There is increasing pressure to incorporate more advanced AI & ML based approaches into the overall UVM mix, with the latest being satellite imagery-based UVM. Satellite based UVM shows exciting potential to revolutionize UVM practices, but it must be carefully integrated with the practical realities of executing vegetation management (VM) activities on the ground

To start, let’s understand how a typical Satellite Based UVM solution is designed and operates.

 Understanding Typical Satellite Based UVM

As of 2023, over 1,000 Earth observation satellites (EOS) continuously monitor the planet, offering diverse data acquisition capabilities. These satellites vary in image resolution, spectral range sensitivity, revisit frequency, and operators.

A typical satellite-based UVM solution leverages APIs from these multiple EOS providers to automatically acquire relevant imagery for areas near overhead lines throughout a utility network.

These typical solutions owned by different vendors often incorporate machine learning algorithms that analyze satellite imagery to identify vegetation with a high probability of interfering with nearby utility assets. This allows for easier detection of vegetation location, height, species, and vitality, enabling the creation of risk models that assess the potential threats posed by vegetation proximity to power lines and other critical infrastructure. Typical API pricing reflects image quality, resolution, and satellite revisit frequency.

Guiding Principles: Balancing Optimization Levers in Utility Vegetation Management

Now that we have talked USP of a typical Satellite based UVM, we are now going to critically evaluate them with traditional UVM. We will be using our Accenture proven guiding principles of Scope Optimization, Work Management, Operational Efficiency, and Sourcing Strategy, while recognizing the importance of balancing it with traditional methods like drones and manual inspection.

 Scope Optimization: How to Pace and Target the Work

The right scope for UVM is often characterized as addressing the right tree at the right time for maintenance or removal activities. Now satellite imagery typically offers the advantage of covering large areas swiftly and economically, making it suitable for broad-scale monitoring.

However, the challenge lies in striking a balance between resolution and coverage. While lower-resolution imagery provides a broad overview, tasks like detecting encroachments into Right of Way (ROW) demand higher resolutions which might be constrained by geo and region specific regulations.

Proponents of satellite-based UVM emphasize its quick turnaround and broad coverage, but there is an ongoing debate among seasoned VM professionals and utility SMEs regarding its precision in identifying specific vegetation threats.

Therefore, finding the right balance between resolution and coverage is crucial for more reliable and effective scope optimizations. Moreover, satellite imagery should be complemented with detailed insights from traditional methods for comprehensive coverage and accuracy.

 Work Management: Planning and Communicating Complex Program

While satellite imagery offers broad coverage and remote monitoring advantages, it often lacks the detailed contextual information needed for effective work management due to image resolution limitations.

Traditional methods, such as ground surveys and manual inspections, provide a nuanced understanding of terrain and vegetation characteristics. For utilities, these comprehensive contextual insights are crucial for accurately communicating work scope and priorities.

While satellite imagery can streamline certain aspects of work management for a successful VM, it may not offer the depth needed for effective work management.

Balancing satellite imagery benefits with traditional methods is therefore key for utilities to optimize work management processes for a comprehensive VM.

Operational Efficiency: Designing for the Realities of Working in the Field

Satellite-based imagery has the potential to revolutionize UVM. It offers unparalleled access to vast geographical regions and real-time data, providing a macroscopic view of vegetation health and distribution, and facilitating the identification of potential work zones. However, it may lack the granularity required to optimize operational efficiency by bundling and sequencing work effectively.

Traditional methods, such as ground surveys and manual inspections, allow for detailed site assessments, enabling precise planning to minimize windshield time, equipment setups, and underutilization of equipment.

Balancing the benefits of satellite-based insights with the operational expertise provided by traditional methods is essential for utilities to optimize efficiency and effective VM practices.

Sourcing Strategy: Achieving Best Price Through Risk Sharing

To develop a comprehensive sourcing strategy for UVM, it's essential to provide detailed information and scope to potential bidders. Satellite imagery presents itself as a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like drones and LiDAR. However, it's crucial to recognize the trade-offs between cost and data quality. Lower-cost satellite imagery may compromise resolution or revisit frequency, impacting the accuracy of vegetation monitoring.

Additionally, the reliability of insights derived from satellite data hinges on factors such as spectral range sensitivity and image processing techniques. Thus, utilities must meticulously evaluate the suitability of satellite imagery alongside other technologies and traditional methods, such as manual inspections and drone surveys.

Taking the above points into consideration, utilities can craft a sourcing strategy that effectively balances cost considerations with the need for high-quality, reliable data in VM initiatives. This approach ensures that potential bidders have a clear understanding of the utility's needs and priorities, fostering informed and competitive participation in the sourcing process.

Conclusion

Accenture recognizes the important role that Satellite Imagery can play in Vegetation Management for Utilities. At Accenture, we work with Utilities across the world to implement VM solutions enabling the incorporation of new technology, enhancement of efficiency, productivity, safety and transforming how they handle vegetation management tasks.

In conclusion, satellite imagery can significantly enhance a comprehensive Vegetation Management (VM) strategy for utilities when used alongside other tactics. Utilities should integrate satellite imagery thoughtfully, as they would with any solution. Enhancing satellite imagery with empirical verification through manual inspections and drone surveys creates a balanced approach, making vegetation management practices both efficient and sustainable for future use cases.

Ultimately, successfully integrating satellite imagery into UVM requires striking a balance between promise and pragmatism, leveraging its strengths while mitigating its limitations to meet the evolving demands of utility infrastructure maintenance.

To learn more about our Vegetation Management Capabilities please visit:

Vegetation Management Solution | Accenture

References:

·       Outsmart Vegetation-Related Power Outages | T&D World (tdworld.com)

·       How to improve utility vegetation management with satellite imagery |UP42

·       A technical deep-dive into Satellite Imaging, Multispectral, SAR, and GAN - AiDash

·       How many Earth observation satellites orbiting in 2023? | Pixalytics Ltd