GIS tools for transmission line routing
- 1. GIS and Web Based Tools to Streamline Transmission Routing By Daniel Belin, AICP Ecology & Environment, Inc.
- 2. Presentation Topics • Background • Corridor Routing Opportunities and Challenges • Benefits of web based GIS Tools for Transmission Line Routing
- 3. Background • Resource Planning vs. Transmission Routing • WECC / WGA initiatives • HVDC emergence
- 4. Background • Resource Planning – Reliability modeling (congestion) – Corridor separation – Load growth scenarios – time horizon • Transmission Routing – Natural resource planning (integrity) – Corridor co-location – Impact scenarios – time horizon
- 5. WECC / WGA • WECC RTEP - SPSG • WGA WREZ • WGA WC DSS – Montana CAPS
- 6. HVDC Emergence How do we get power from here to there? Source: Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, 2008
- 8. Routing Criteria • Utilize 20 (+) Corridor Evaluation Criteria • Criteria Include: – Biological Resources - Socio Economic Conditions – Cultural Resources - Water Resources – Geology and Soils - Engineering Considerations – Land Use Table 1: Corridor Evaluation Criteria Criterion Unit of Measure Source Date GEOLOGY AND SOIL RESOURCES Karst areas Square Miles USGS 1984 Seismic Hazards Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2002 Slopes greater than 15% Square Miles USGS DEM 2009 Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2001 Earthquakes Number National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2004 Quaternary Faults Square Miles National Atlas of the United States/USGS 2005
- 9. Routing Opportunities Parallel Existing Infrastructure / ROW • Transmission Line ROW • Pipelines • Interstate Highways and State Routes • Railroads • Previously disturbed corridors Non-Parallel Routing • Utilize Undeveloped Corridors, as needed
- 11. Transmission Line Constraints Constraints Include: • T&E Species Habitat • Densely Populated Areas • NWRs and SWMAs • Cultural Resources • Topography & Soils • Large Waterbodies
- 12. National Wildlife Refuges and State Wildlife Management Areas
- 13. GIS Website Demonstration • Hypothetical project in WY • Private website linked to GIS data layers and variety of base maps • Constraint layers visible on base mapping • Buffer and measurement functions facilitate route analysis • Website has an Address search function with applications for: – Routing and Public Involvement
- 14. GIS Website Case Study (Continued) Corridor Routing Tool
- 15. Private GIS Website Benefits • Ease of Operation (Web browser Interface) • Identifies critical issues early • Provides immediate analysis through buffering and measurement • Helps facilitate public involvement
- 16. Conclusion • New paradigm in transmission planning in the US • Many more factors and stakeholders • Web based GIS sites expedite routing study tasks – Provide critical information early – Keep project team coordinated – Identify stakeholders quicker – Consult with agencies sooner – Eliminate costly alternatives proactively
- 17. Thank you! Questions? Contact: Daniel Belin, AICP Ecology &Environment 1501 Lee Highway, Suite 306 Arlington, VA. 22209 (703) 522-6065 dbelin@ene.com