TWM Contributor: Josh Hoffmann | IL Geospatial Services Leader
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology is transforming various industries, and the renewable energy sector is no exception. At TWM, we leverage LiDAR technology to bring greater precision and efficiency to renewable energy projects. By capturing highly precise and detailed 3D models of terrain and infrastructure, LiDAR provides powerful tools (sensors, scanners, GPS units, software) that enhance site selection, project planning, and environmental assessments for wind and solar farms. This advanced technology allows our Geospatial Group to optimize energy installations, reduce project delays, and seamlessly integrate data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other mapping tools. With LiDAR, our clients benefit from intelligent, data-driven insights that strengthen and support sustainable energy initiatives.
Precision Mapping for Smarter Development
LiDAR produces high-accuracy topographic maps, which are crucial for renewable energy projects such as wind and solar farms, especially in remote or hard-to-reach areas. These precise maps help identify the most suitable locations for energy installations by analyzing factors like slope, elevation, and both natural and man-made terrain features. LiDAR speeds up and improves the accuracy of project planning, helping to reduce the likelihood of cost overruns. By providing a detailed understanding of the landscape, LiDAR can also facilitate more effective analysis of environmental impacts, ensuring that renewable energy projects have minimal ecological impact.
LiDAR in Action: Solar Farm Sites in Utah
We recently worked on a project using a combination of terrestrial and aerial LiDAR to create a complete representation of the landscape for four separate solar farm sites near Cedar City, UT. This project required a comprehensive topographic survey involving nearly 300 acres of land and 10 miles of proposed access roads that would aid in civil site design for the roads and battery storage.
The first critical step involved establishing GPS site control at each of the four designated locations. The control served as the basis for the scans and aerial imagery, providing essential ground constraints. As the cornerstone of the project, this control ensured the collection of repeatable and consistent data throughout the entire project area.
After establishing site control, TWM conducted terrestrial LiDAR scans at each substation. Using LiDAR technology, our team was able to collect precise data collection of structures, equipment, and ground features within the substations. This data is essential for understanding spatial relationships between components in the substations and ensures that the design of any new infrastructure will integrate with the existing facilities.
Our team also conducted aerial LiDAR scans over the proposed battery storage at each site. By using aerial LiDAR, we were able to get a comprehensive depiction of the project site and its environment. An essential component of the aerial LiDAR topographic survey was the capture of surrounding ground to help establish local drainage patterns. This data is crucial for surface drainage design, which is a key consideration in infrastructure development. The LiDAR data enabled precise modeling of the terrain, highlighting elevations, slopes, and low-lying areas where water could accumulate.
Aerial LiDAR was also used to capture detailed imagery for the proposed access roads leading to each of the four sites. The flight over these access roads captured important topographic features and other unique characteristics of the roads’ routes. The LiDAR data collected for this portion of the project provided a detailed overview of each access road’s layout.
Through the integration of LiDAR technology, our team successfully optimized routes, ensured safe and efficient site access, accelerated resource assessment, and fueled innovation in renewable energy development.
The Importance of Land Surveying & Easement Identification
Another key service provided for renewable projects is land surveying and easement identification for existing or potential wind or solar sites. Since opening its doors in 1946, TWM has been providing boundary surveys to its clients. Today, both boundary and ALTA/ACSM surveys play a vital role in the success of renewable energy projects. By clearly defining property lines and land ownership, these surveys have a significant influence on the scope, design, and regulatory approval of projects. Additionally, understanding the client’s easement rights has become increasingly important due to the rising costs of acquiring easements. Therefore, it’s crucial to accurately and efficiently identify areas impacted by easements.
 Accurate boundary surveys provide renewable energy developers with a clear understanding of land ownership, easements, and property rights, reducing the risk of legal disputes and simplifying the permitting process. For renewable energy projects like solar and wind farms, compliance with local zoning laws and environmental regulations is essential. Boundary surveys play a critical role in ensuring these projects remain within legal boundaries and conform to local guidelines. By precisely defining property lines, developers can maximize land use for energy production while preventing encroachment on neighboring properties. Well-defined boundaries also help avoid conflicts with adjacent landowners, which could otherwise delay or hinder project progress.
The Evolution of Aerial LiDAR
Aerial LiDAR is revolutionizing the way renewable energy projects are planned, developed, and maintained. Drones are quickly becoming an essential tool in the renewable energy industry and are particularly valuable for surveying remote and difficult-to-reach locations or hazardous areas that are hard to access on foot or by vehicle, making them ideal for large-scale renewable energy projects like wind and solar farms.
With the ability to capture high-resolution aerial imagery and video in real-time, this collected data provides up-to-date information about project sites, land conditions, and environmental changes. Additionally, drones can integrate with AI and machine learning technologies to offer deeper insights and automate data analysis, optimizing site selection and ongoing maintenance. Drones are also used for routine inspections of renewable energy installations, such as wind turbines and solar panels, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency.
Overall, LiDAR technology will continue to greatly reduce the time and costs typically associated with traditional surveying methods, enabling faster data collection and analysis. With a combination of cost-efficiency, speed, and precision, the future of new and emerging LiDAR tools in the renewable energy field is exciting!
About TWM’s Energy & Utility Services
No two renewable energy projects are the same, which means applying experience, depth, and versatility to this growing and evolving market. TWM leverages the latest surveying and engineering technology to approach projects in a direct and purposeful manner. We partner with clients across every facet of power generation and distribution to help them surpass production demands as requirements continue to grow. From traditional energy sources like gas, electric, and petroleum to renewable solutions, such as wind, solar, and charging stations, TWM collaborates with clients to solve their next challenge.
Read more about TWM’s Energy & Utilities geospatial services.
