Application of 3D graphic software and GIS in visual impact assessment of high-voltage overhead transmission lines

Abstract

The paper presents the possibility of using GIS tools and 3D graphic software to assess the impact of high voltage overhead transmission lines on the landscape. The paper uses a digital elevation model developed on the basis of airborne laser scanning data. In addition, potential locations and high voltage overhead transmission lines tower heights have been used. The Viewshed tool available in the ArcGIS software made it possible to calculate the visibility range of tower. To limit the spatial range of the analysis 3D simulations were carried out in Blender version 2.79. Visibility range analysis was performed in the range from 250 m to 3000 m in steps of 250 m. The render analysis in relation to the percentage of the area occupied by the HVOTLs tower in the total field of view, allowed to limit the range of the analysis. Calculations have shown that the range of the HVOTLs tower impact assessment should be limited to 2 km. The very strong and strong visual impact of the tower range from 0 to 250 m. In contrast, there is a significant impact between 251 m and 750 m and a moderate and weak impact above 750 m.