Vegetation Analysis

Vegetation Analysis (also called Radial Analysis) calculates the distance from your wires to nearby points in the point cloud — vegetation, buildings, ground, and other features. Use it to identify clearance violations, plan trimming operations, and verify compliance with standards.

Workflow Overview

The vegetation analysis workflow has three stages:

1. Calculate Distances — Compute clearances from wires to the point cloud
2. Cluster Results — Group nearby encroachment points into clusters for easier review
3. Review and Export — Inspect results on the map and export for reporting

Calculate Distances

The first step is to calculate distances from your wires to nearby point cloud data.

Cluster Results

After calculating distances, cluster the results to group nearby encroachment points together. This makes it easier to identify problem areas instead of reviewing individual points.

Vegetation Templates

For vegetation-specific analysis using predefined clearance rules:

Template Parameters

Analysis Parameters Reference

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

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

Dense Point Clouds

With high-density data:

1. Start with a smaller radius
2. Allow adequate processing time

Troubleshooting

Analysis takes too long

1. Try a smaller search radius
2. Process fewer elements at once
3. Check system resources

No results returned

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

Results seem wrong

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