Topographic survey 220 kV: Comprehensive engineering research for the Beta-Sogdiana route

The implementation of large-scale energy projects and the construction of high-voltage overhead lines require flawless pre-project preparation. A high-precision topographic survey 220 kV is a fundamental stage on which the structural safety, reliable installation, and trouble-free operation of power transmission lines directly depend. The engineering company GEO PRO, which provides certified engineering and geodetic surveys, has successfully completed a full range of field and office procedures at an object of strategic importance.

Under a general agreement with an international developer, our engineers conducted a specialized topographic survey 220 kV designed to safely integrate the generating capacities of a new wind power plant into the general energy system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The created highly detailed digital geodetic basis allowed the general designer to optimize the routing and eliminate spatial collisions when arranging heavy metal lattice supports.

Project Objective and Key Engineering Tasks

The main goal of the surveys was the prompt collection of up-to-date geospatial data, recording the exact topography of the area, identifying all artificial and natural obstacles, and reliably securing the design axis of the route on the ground. The field team was tasked with coordinate linking of the route and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of electricity to the key nodal substation of the region without the slightest risk of damaging the existing transport and engineering infrastructure.

Location and Geomorphological Features of the Work Area

The survey object is located in the Republic of Uzbekistan along a dedicated linear corridor of the projected overhead line in the direction of the 500/220 kV Sogdiana nodal substation. The area of work was characterized by complex geomorphological relief, significant elevation changes, and the crossing of irrigation canals, national highways, and security zones of adjacent communications.

Scope of Surveys: Topographic survey 220 kV over an area of 245 hectares

In the process of implementing the technical task, the engineering department of GEO PRO performed a large volume of field and analytical procedures:

Detailed topographic survey 220 kV of the right-of-way of the route corridor with a total area of 245 hectares in a scale range of 1:1000 and 1:2000 with a relief section of 0.5 meters.
Instrumental survey and planned-high-altitude fixation of corrected sections of the route axis after project changes were made by the general designer.
Tracing, pitting, and highly accurate plotting on the consolidated plan of all intersected above-ground and underground engineering communications (main pipelines, water conduits, power cable lines, fiber-optic communication networks).
Development of a planned-high-altitude geodetic survey network with the laying of long-term ground benchmarks and polygonometry points strictly tied to the state geodetic network (SGN).
Formation of longitudinal and transverse profiles along the axis of the projected overhead line (OHL) with a detailed display of the actual ground elevations and clearances to intersected objects.

Applied Geodetic Equipment and Technologies

To achieve guaranteed millimeter accuracy and strict compliance with standards, the company’s modern instrument complex was used:

Satellite systems: multi-frequency satellite GNSS receivers of geodetic class, functioning in a differential real-time kinematic (RTK) mode from base stations.
Optoelectronic devices: precision electronic total stations of the Leica TS07 series with one-second angular accuracy and a powerful rangefinder.
Route tracing complexes: generators and selective locators Radiodetection for scanning and determining the depth of hidden underground metal communications.
Software packages: licensed software Credo-DAT, Credo Linear Surveys, and AutoCAD Civil 3D for processing spatial data arrays and 3D modeling.

Regulatory and Technical Basis (SHNK, KMK, GOST)

All field geodetic procedures, office processing of measurements, and the formation of graphic materials were carried out in accordance with current building regulations:

SHNK 1.02.07-15: “Engineering surveys for construction”.
KMK 2.01.08-96: “Rules for the production of geodetic works in construction”.
Regulatory requirements of the Electrical Installation Rules (PUE) regarding the design of overhead power lines and security zones.
GOST 21.101-97: “Basic requirements for design and working documentation”.

Survey Results and Practical Value for the Client

Following the field and office stages, the client (IP LLC “PEAK WIND BETA”) received a comprehensive engineering and technical report. The documentation included consolidated digital topographic plans, a digital three-dimensional elevation model (DEM), longitudinal profiles of the route, and a picketing statement of intersections with utility networks. The comprehensive topographic survey 220 kV allowed the design institute to accurately calculate the arrangement of anchor and intermediate supports, significantly reduce the consumption of rolled metal and concrete, eliminate emergency situations during earthworks, and successfully pass the state examination of the project.

GIS Integration and Long-Term Infrastructure Security

An important advantage of the work performed was the introduction of advanced quality control standards at each stage of field measurements. The integration of the obtained spatial data into geographic information systems (GIS) provided the client with the opportunity to operate an interactive digital model of the route throughout the entire life cycle of the energy facility. This accelerates the monitoring of the security zone, simplifies routine maintenance, and guarantees the durability of the entire created energy artery of the region.