Analysis

After building your Digital Grid model, use the analysis tools to calculate clearances, identify encroachments, and verify compliance with standards.

Analysis Tools Overview

Aura provides several analysis capabilities:

Calculate Distances

The primary analysis tool calculates the distance from wires to nearby points in the point cloud (vegetation, buildings, ground, etc.).

Analysis Parameters

Wire Type Filter

Choose which wire types to include:

• ✓ Primary
• ✓ Secondary
• ✓ Telecom
• ✓ Underbuilt

Uncheck wire types you don't need to analyze.

Search Radius

The distance around each wire to search for points:

Point Cloud Class Filter

Select which point classes to consider:

Understanding Results

Distance Values

Results include:

• Minimum Distance - Closest approach to any point
• Distance Location - Where the minimum occurs
• Point Classification - What type of point is closest

Interpreting Clearances

Compare results to required clearances:

Violations

When a clearance is insufficient:

1. The result is flagged as a potential violation
2. Location is highlighted on the map
3. Review to determine if action is needed

Vegetation Analysis

For vegetation-specific analysis using predefined rules:

Template Parameters

Cluster Distances

For batch processing multiple elements:

Output Formats

Analysis results can be saved in several formats:

EVLR (Extended Variable Length Record)

For LAZ files:

• Embeds clearance data in point cloud file
• Compatible with LAS specification
• Preserves spatial context

Report Export

For documentation:

• Summary statistics
• Violation list
• Detailed measurements

Best Practices

Run Analysis Incrementally

As you build your model:

1. Add poles and spans for a section
2. Add wires
3. Run analysis on that section
4. Fix any issues
5. Move to the next section

Use Appropriate Classes

For vegetation analysis:

• Include classes 3, 4, 5 (vegetation)
• Exclude ground unless checking sag

For structure clearance:

• Include class 6 (buildings)
• May include class 2 (ground) for sag check

Verify Results

After analysis:

1. Spot-check flagged violations
2. View in 3D to confirm
3. Cross-reference with imagery if available

Performance Tips

Large Projects

For projects with many wires:

1. Process in sections
2. Use reasonable search radius
3. Filter to specific wire types
4. Run during off-peak times

Dense Point Clouds

With high-density data:

1. Consider subsampling if needed
2. Start with smaller radius
3. Allow adequate processing time

Troubleshooting

Analysis Takes Too Long

If processing seems stuck:

1. Check Worker is responsive
2. Try smaller search radius
3. Process fewer elements
4. Check system resources

No Results Returned

If analysis produces no output:

1. Verify wires exist in the area
2. Check point cloud covers the region
3. Confirm class filter includes relevant classes
4. Ensure search radius is adequate

Results Seem Wrong

If distances don't match expectations:

1. Verify wire positions are accurate
2. Check point cloud alignment
3. Confirm coordinate systems match
4. Review in 3D visualization

Use Cases

Vegetation Management

Identify trees requiring trimming:

1. Run analysis with vegetation classes
2. Export violation list
3. Plan trimming operations
4. Document compliance

Joint Use Audits

Verify clearances between utilities:

1. Model all attachments
2. Calculate vertical separation
3. Identify compliance issues
4. Generate audit report

Construction Planning

Verify proposed designs:

1. Model proposed infrastructure
2. Analyze against existing conditions
3. Identify conflicts
4. Adjust design as needed

Next Steps

After running analysis:

1. Review and address any violations
2. Document findings with comments
3. Export results for reporting
4. Create video flythroughs of problem areas