Network modelling is a complex activity, and our experts will typically work with your teams to generate an accurate, engineering-grade, physics-enabled model of your network using large-scale LiDAR capture, your GIS data, and more.
This article provides an overview of some of the useful network modelling support tools and adjustments - such as basic pole and conductor extraction and fitting from imported LiDAR data.
For more information about our network modelling capabilities and services, contact us using the Help / Chat with support menu option
Setup and background
Sample project
On the Home screen click the LiDAR example tile in the Sample Designs section to a sample project that you can use when following this and related articles:
Datasets tool
The Datasets tool is used to load, unload, modify, and configure the point cloud data loaded into the project. See Point cloud display settings
Point coloring
You can adjust the color scheme used for the point cloud display, as well as size of displayed points for better clarity, on the View menu. See Point cloud display settings
Inspect point data
You can inspect an individual point's data, including detailed LiDAR capture metadata, by clicking on a point. See Point cloud display settings
Extract poles from point cloud
Poles can be extracted from the point cloud and placed in the Perspective view. In this example, there's a likely pole at this location in the imported LiDAR data:
Select Edit / Extract poles from LiDAR from the menu:
Neara will automatically identify pole candidates in the point cloud, and place matching poles in the Perspective view.
In this example, you'll notice there's now a selectable Pole object in that location. Select it to inspect and modify its Properties:
Fit conductors
Select the Conductor tool on the toolbar and ensure that the specifications on the right of the screen are correct.
The pole type and conductor type/construction can be modified. Once this has been done, left click on the poles that you would like to create spans across and right click to exit the tool once you have finished creating your circuit:
If poles need to be individually adjusted, this is done by clicking on them with the arrow tool and adjusting the specifications on the right to change its constructions.
Points classified as conductor are magenta/purple before a conductor is fitted to them. Once fitted, they will turn grey to show the conductor is accurately modelling the points.
There are two ways to fit conductors:
Select the conductor and select Edit / Fit selected conductors from LiDAR on the menu:
Select the Snap tool to fine tune the attachment point, cable sag and insulator offset of a span. Select the cables you wish to fine tune and choose a setting on the right, then click on the desired LiDAR points to snap to:
Fine-tune pole and conductor placement
The placement of automatically extracted poles and conductors can be fine tuned with the Snap tool. See Fine tune pole and conductor fit
Add and remove imagery tiles
Any imagery tiles in the Perspective view that contain poles or are crossed by conductors that are not added to the project can be automatically added by selecting Edit / Add Imagery Tiles from the menu.
Any tiles that do not have a pole or conductor crossing them can be automatically removed by selecting Edit / Remove Unused Tiles from the menu.
Remove unused point cloud
Any imported LiDAR data that does not link to a conductor can be removed by selecting Edit / Remove Unused Point Cloud menu item.