Getting Started with Digital Grid

Before diving into Digital Grid tools, ensure you have everything set up correctly. This guide covers prerequisites and the recommended workflow for creating Digital Grid projects.

Prerequisites

1. Worker Must Be Running

Digital Grid tools require Worker to perform calculations. Before using any Digital Grid features:

2. Load Point Cloud Data

You need classified point cloud data to work with:

• COPC format (.laz) for best performance
• Classification helps identify poles, wires, and vegetation
• Adequate coverage of your infrastructure area

Creating a Digital Grid Project

Recommended Workflow

Follow this order for best results:

1. Add Poles First

Poles are the foundation of your Digital Grid model:

• Identify pole locations in the point cloud
• Use Add Pole (Cmd/Ctrl + P) to mark each location
• Worker calculates pole height and lean automatically

2. Create Spans Between Poles

Spans define the network connectivity:

• Select two poles to create a span between them
• Spans provide the path for wire placement
• Work sequentially along your route

3. Add Wires to Spans

Model the conductors on each span:

• Use Add Span Wire (Cmd/Ctrl + W)
• Assign voltage levels (Primary, Secondary, Telecom)
• Worker calculates wire sag geometry

4. Add Supporting Elements

Complete the model with additional details:

• Crossarms - Wire attachment structures
• Guy Wires - Structural support cables
• Service Wires - Customer connections

5. Run Analysis

After modeling, perform analysis:

• Calculate Distances - Clearances to vegetation/obstacles
• Vegetation Analysis - Check against clearance rules
• Export Data - For use in other systems

Working Efficiently

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn the shortcuts to work faster:

Organize Your View

• Toggle Classification color mode to see poles and wires in the point cloud
• Turn off unnecessary layers to reduce visual clutter
• Use Voltage Labels to verify wire assignments

Work in Sections

For large projects:

1. Focus on one section at a time
2. Complete poles → spans → wires for each section
3. Move to the next section
4. Run analysis on completed areas

Understanding the Interface

Right Sidebar - Tool Settings

When a Digital Grid tool is active, the right sidebar shows:

• Tool-specific options - Parameters for the current tool
• Element properties - Details about selected elements
• Action buttons - Save, cancel, or modify operations

Left Sidebar - Layer Controls

The Digital Grid layer section shows:

• Element type toggles - Show/hide specific elements
• Color pickers - Customize element colors
• Opacity slider - Adjust transparency
• Voltage labels - Toggle wire voltage display

Common Starting Points

Distribution Line Modeling

For typical distribution circuits:

1. Add poles along the route
2. Create spans between consecutive poles
3. Add primary wires at the top
4. Add secondary wires below
5. Add service drops to customers

Transmission Line Modeling

For transmission corridors:

1. Add towers at structure locations
2. Create spans between towers
3. Add multiple conductor wires
4. Add shield wires at top

Retrofitting Existing Data

If you have existing infrastructure data:

1. Import pole coordinates (if available)
2. Verify locations against point cloud
3. Add spans and wires manually
4. Run analysis to validate

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

1. Learn to add poles and towers
2. Create spans between structures
3. Add wires to your network