Optech Incorporated - Network Mapping Collaborate

14 August 2009, 8:36pm

Toronto, Canada – Under increasing pressure from regulatory scrutiny, power transmission companies are facing urgent needs to better manage their vegetation clearances. A timely solution has appeared with the recent release of Optech’s ALTM Orion C200. Designed specifically for corridor mapping applications, this new ALTM model achieves industry-leading precision measurement and data density in an ultra-compact design.

Network Mapping, who will soon take delivery of their new ALTM Orion C200, are planning an immediate deployment in New York state, where the Airborne Laser Terrain Mapper (ALTM) will be used for effective vegetation management in heavily forested areas.

Kevin Jacobs, CEO of Network Mapping, said, "We see the Orion’s high repetition rate, low weight and efficient post-processing capability as a significant benefit to our utility clients. Our close working relationship with Optech has resulted in a package tailored to meet our specific needs, allowing us to operate this latest technology efficiently and immediately, as it integrates well with our existing processes."

“Given its application-specific design approach, the ALTM Orion is a welcome innovation for corridor mapping professionals looking for a high-performance yet low-cost, low-altitude, and fully supported lidar mapping solution,” says Michael Sitar, Airborne Survey Products Manager at Optech. “We are extremely pleased that Network Mapping has selected the Orion C200 as their survey instrument of choice, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the product exceeds their expectations now and in the future. The Orion C200 is fast becoming one of our most popular products.”

Network Mapping’s first project using the Orion C200 will be for the international electricity and gas company, National Grid, one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. National Grid spends millions of dollars every year to safeguard their lines against vegetation encroachment, keeping in mind public safety and environmental concerns. Mr. Brian Addison, Engineering Manager for National Grid said, “Our long-term framework agreement with Network Mapping has enabled our early involvement in the introduction of this new technology. National Grid is keen to move forward to bring the benefits of new techniques to our business by working in close cooperation with our suppliers in a collaborative partnership arrangement. Apart from the obvious technical benefits, the compact and low-weight design of the ALTM Orion also saves money by reducing fuel consumption, and therefore, produces lower emissions—something we need to be cognizant of, given economic realities and heightened environmental awareness.”

Optech Inc.

Network Mapping

Geo: International