Electric Utilities
With drone solutions and LiDAR technology, we provide CVI, mobile LiDAR, thermal hot spot detection, and a suite of other services to streamline 3D mapping, inspection, and field validation services.
Meeting the Needs of the Electric Utility Industry
Firmatek has consistently pioneered modern advances in geospatial data mapping through innovative products and services. With over 30 years of industry experience, Firmatek has the expertise and technology to provide 3D mapping, inspections, and field audits.
We believe in using the right tool for the job. Our technology offering includes terrestrial, mobile, and UAV based LiDAR, high resolution RGB visual and IR/thermal sensors. This suite of technology ensures we are able to provide our customers across the industry with the tools and data they need to operate safely and efficiently.
Firmatek Solutions for Electric Utilities

T&D Infrastructure Classification
Mobile and UAV-based LiDAR are used to capture 3D points clouds to assess infrastructure for transmission, distribution, and joint pole use applications. All T&D assets in addition to surrounding features are identified with a high level of detail and geospatial accuracy. True colorization aids in 3D visualization of the entire T&D model.
- Extensive feature code classification of T&D assets
- ROW & surrounding vegetation encroachment classification
- Powerline catenary sag analysis
- Pole loading analysis

Comprehensive Visual Inspection
UAV-mounted, high resolution cameras can be used to capture still photos, thermal imagery, and videos to spot defects, anomalies, and change detection in structures, electrical components, and conductors. Use cases include, but are not limited to:
- Annual maintenance inspections
- Grid resilience and reliability data collection
- Troubleshooting poor performing circuits
- Pole condition (pole rot, woodpecker damage,crossarm integrity, animal encroachment)
- Component failures and defects (missing grounding, flashed/damaged insulators, conductor/structure attachment discrepancies, conductor thermal anomalies)
- Equipment damage (transformers, switches, capacitors, regulators)
- Distributed assets and inventory validation
- New construction and installation QA/QC
- Assessing storm damage, validating line status, and documenting remediation efforts
- Supporting documentation for annual budget reporting and risk mitigation
- Baseline data-sets for projecting capital projects
- Voltage conversion inventory data

Joint Pole Use Audits
Through pole audits and maintenance inspections, Firmatek can provide the data you need to ensure regulatory compliance, validate and maintain accurate records, plan pole capacity for future fiber optic cable installations.
- Field validation
- Attach points & service provider documentation
- Height & distance measurements

As-built Line Audits
Electric utilities require accurate as-built drawings of major power poles, towers, substations, and other infrastructure—including component inventory. Even more so, they must be geospatially current. Through the following deliverables, Firmatek can easily and accurately map, monitor, and analyze your electrical infrastructure.
- Dimensioned CAD drawings in most formats
- 3D models with object/feature code classification
- All data compatible with ESRI geospatial environments
- Monitoring subcontractor project progress and installation verification
- Capacity planning assessments
- Plan of record
Deliverables
Firmatek creates customized deliverables for the utilities industry and specializes in field validation, data validation, digitized physical infrastructure, pole loading capacity, and vegetation encroachment and right of way access.

T&D Asset Classification
Software enables automatic feature classification of T&D assets and surrounding environment.

Thermal/IR Hot Spot Detection
Hot-spots are an indication of a potential component failure, often times not visible by RGB/EO cameras.

Vegetation Encroachment
Conductor/tower clearances and priority violations are determined for all ROW and surrounding vegetation.

Pole Condition Inspection
High definition RGB/EO imagery facilitates year-round inspection/maintenance schedules.

Joint Pole Use Field Validation
All electric line and communications conductors are identified and classified in a detailed 3D point cloud.

Joint Point Pole Use Audits
Detailed height and distance measurements are calculated with a high level of relative accuracy.

As-builts
Engineering grade plan-of-record for new construction projects.

Comprehensive Visual Inspection
Ultra-high resolution used to identify potential failures before they occur.
How It Works
Job Planning
First, we discuss the job requirements and timing with you, then plan and schedule the job. Our field technicians come to your site and perform the data collection.
In-Field Data Collection
Firmatek uses industry leading tools including mobile and UAV based LiDAR, RGB and IR/thermal sensors for inspection, and photogrammetry for mapping.
Data Processing & Analysis
After the data is captured, we upload it to our processing and engineering teams for analysis and final production and publication.
Results & Insights
You receive deliverables, reports, and insights in Firmatek Cloud. Our team is able to answer questions and help you turn insights into business intelligence.
Benefits of Firmatek for Electric Utilities
Time Saving
Faster access to real-time analytics via efficient data collection, automated processing, data analysis performed by experts.
Operating Efficiency
Frequent flyovers for analysis of pole structures, component failures and defects, asset locations, and ROW monitoring.
Installation Verification
Firmatek can easily and accurately map, monitor, and analyze your electrical infrastructure during and after installation.
Long Term Recording
Utilize Firmatek Cloud to track historical data over time for accurate utility asset planning, vegetation measurement, and financial analysis.
Storm Response
Assess storm damage, validating line up/down status, and document remediation efforts for rapid service restoration.
Streamlined Audits
Ensure regulatory compliance, validate and maintain accurate records, plan pole capacity for future fiber optic cable installations, and hold telecommunication providers accountable.




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