GIS systems and LIDAR technology for the operation of HV lines. Sicilian transmission network applications

The difficulties to build new power lines within the national territory cause of authorization problems, and the ever more growing production of electricity from renewable sources, induces Term S.p.A. (Italian TSO) to take advantage of existing overhead transmission lines. Therefore, in order to increase the transmission capacity, and to optimize the maintenance and management of power lines, for some years Terna has been using a software in GIS environment (Geographic Information System) that referring to the LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging) remote sensing technology, allows to manage the interferences according to all the requirements and legislative bonds and to fulfill the imposed obbligations related to the electric and magnetic fields. This paper after the description of GIS systems and LiDAR technology shows the calculation of the current capacity of some High Voltage power lines within the Sicilian territory, in order to ensure the verification of sag imposed by Italian law, using the conductor thermal model.