Electrical Network Asset Position and Condition Data

Data gathering is an essential task in order to understand the health of an electrical network. However, many operators are missing out on the cost efficiencies available through using technology to combine routine asset inspection patrols more effectively. In this interview David Langworth, General Manager at NM Group (part of Trimble Inc.) discusses how combining asset condition with other datasets […]

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NM Group Undertake Machine Learning Research Project

NM Group Undertake Machine Learning Research Project NM Group have announced that they will be undertaking a new Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with the University of Durham. This academic research project will explore the use of Machine Learning and Deep Neural Networks to innovate automatic feature extraction from LiDAR data. Automatically extracting useful information from spatial data, such as the […]

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NM Group and Durham University Complete Outstanding Research +

NM Group and Durham University Complete Outstanding Research in Utility Vegetation Management NM Group and Durham University received an Outstanding grade by Innovate UK for their research in Utility Vegetation Management. This research was part of a government funded scheme known as the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The project used geospatial data to develop powerful new vegetation management risk tools. […]

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SSEN uses 3D powerline modelling to help prepare network for winter storms

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is taking to the skies to improve the resilience of its electricity networks. Working with NM Group, SSEN is using innovative aerial 3D laser scanning technology (LiDAR) to survey its entire overhead electricity network and is using this data to carry out preventative works designed to minimise the risk of tree-related power cuts to […]

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National Grid trial aerial LiDAR inspections for gas network

National Grid have announced they are conducting a trial programme using laser scanning data to deliver safety and operational efficiency improvements across their network. In a UK gas transmission first, the operator will employ LiDAR technology to monitor the terrain around the pipeline, using an airborne survey. Working with NM Group, the Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) funded project will conduct […]

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AltaLink to create 3D base map of power system

AltaLink has recently awarded a multi-year contract to NM Group for creating a 3D base map of their entire power network that will be maintained through innovative technologies. The strategic partnership will create an accurate asset library for 13,000 km of high voltage network, to validate line ratings and ensure system reliability. The project will use aerial LiDAR data to […]

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NM Group Acquired by Trimble to Bolster Visualisation and 3D Asset Management Capabilities in its Energy Portfolio

NM Group Acquired by Trimble to Bolster Visualisation and 3D Asset Management Capabilities in its Energy Portfolio Network Mapping Group Limited (“NM Group”) announced today that is has been acquired by Trimble. The purchase will deliver synergies for both companies and provide Trimble access to NM Group’s 3D Asset Management solutions as well as their long experience in delivering electric […]

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Essential Energy use innovative technology to manage vegetation

Australian energy distributor Essential Energy has contracted NM Group to map, analyse and report on vegetation risks which could pose future safety and reliability issues across its overhead electricity network. The program will use innovative remote sensing and 3D modelling technologies around nearly 85,000 km of powerline. This will enable improved prioritisation and planning of vegetation management activities around the […]

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New York Power Authority Award State-Wide Geospatial project to NM Group

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has awarded a multi-year contract to NM Group to deliver a geospatial, engineering and vegetation analysis for powerlines throughout the state. The project will require the use of remote sensing techniques, such as aerial LiDAR and imagery, to acquire yearly asset management information on the 1,400 mile transmission network. When combined with NM Group’s […]

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SSEN to use innovative aerial scanning to improve electricity network resilience

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is using innovative aerial surveying technology to improve the resilience of its electricity networks. SSEN is currently working with NM Group to survey its network using a fleet of LiDAR equipped aircraft to model 63,000km of power lines in its Scottish and English operational areas. The distribution network operator (DNO) is utilising NM Group’s […]

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NM Group Purchases New Leica ALS80 LiDAR System

NM Group has completed the purchase of the Leica ALS80 airborne sensor and RCD30 camera to further expand its aerial data collection services. This latest generation sensor combines a corridor mapping LiDAR scanner and high resolution camera, creating an efficient, powerline focused mapping system. Known for delivering high quality asset management and engineering solutions, NM Group’s new investment will further […]

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NM Group become first to test Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight LiDAR UAV for electricity transmission in USA

In July 2016, a Midwest utility completed a project with NM Group to deploy an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with LiDAR technology testing its suitability for vegetation compliance analysis. This project was the first time a LiDAR equipped UAV has been tested Beyond Visual Line of Site (BVLOS) for a power utility. The project demonstrated the suitability of LiDAR scanning […]

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NM Group Awarded Contract to Deliver Transmission Powerline Survey to TasNetworks

NM Group are pleased to announce the award of a major new contract to confirm Tasmanian electricity transmission line capacity and check vegetation clearances to overhead conductors. This award will assist TasNetworks in maintaining the safety and reliability of supply across the state and maintaining regulatory compliance on nearly 1900 km of lines. The powerlines will be surveyed using an […]

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NM Group collaborate with Harris Corporation to provide Geiger-mode LiDAR to distribution utilities

In an industry first, Harris Corporation and NM Group now offer Geiger-mode LiDAR for aerially mapping power networks. This emergent technology allows large geographic areas to be acquired in a single economic flight. LiDAR is an established technique for companies operating and maintaining electricity networks. It can improve the safety, reliability and capacity of a network through processes such as […]

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Sky-high success with NM Group’s new innovative service – Patrol+

NM Group, a specialist provider of solutions and services to electricity utilities, is pleased to announce an innovative new service. Patrol+ is designed to enhance patrol and safety inspection activities undertaken by helicopter. Using the latest imaging systems and lightweight LiDAR technology, alongside NM Group’s sophisticated processing technology, the service collects geospatially located asset information and enables accurate and cost effective […]

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Mapping the Entire UK Rail Network

NM Group is pleased to announce it is nearing completion on an aerial mapping project of unparalleled scale and accuracy, covering more than 16,000 km of UK rail network. In 2014 NM Group was engaged to map the rail assets with a mix of high-tech laser measurement and imaging equipment. This was part of a ground breaking project to improve […]

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