Project Description

Siting of overhead high-voltage power lines based on physical and regulatory constraints is a challenging spatial optimization problem for which GIS is well suited. Existing techniques typically include rasterization of constraint feature layers; application of a layer weighting through map algebra; and ultimately optimization using least cost path analysis. Such an approach, and the current public feedback system, do not explicitly bring into the modeling process social attitudes associated with the placement of these lines. Using the DotSpatial framework, we are building a custom GIS software tool to address this issue by combining current modeling techniques; a survey mechanism requesting general attitudes from the public on spatial features to avoid in the siting process; and a Monte Carlo simulation analysis approach to better integrate survey results. The DotSpatial framework provides an important open source foundation by integrating the project’s data processing components with mapping functions and custom coded least cost path tools. It is expected that this DotSpatial based software package will allow utility companies to consider public opinion from the outset of the siting process and avoid potential pitfalls that come from doing otherwise.