Piti–Apra Transmission Line Mapping for Samsung Solar Project

Map the transmission line network from Piti substation to Apra substation

Client

Samsung; TG Engineers; Power Engineers

Project Type

Transmission Line Survey

Location

Piti - Apra

Screenshot of the LiDAR point cloud dataset

Project Overview

As part of Samsung’s solar farm development in Yona, Guam, 2cofly successfully completed the second half of a 10-mile transmission line mapping project. This work provided the engineering team with certified datasets for planning, design, and structural analysis of the 115kV corridor.

Technologies Used

LiDAR: Captured highly accurate 3D point cloud data to model terrain, vegetation, and structures with centimeter-level precision.
Dual-Team Drone Operations: Two DJI M350 RTK drones were deployed simultaneously, splitting the corridor into 1-mile segments for efficient coverage.

Deliverables

PLS-CADD Processing: Converted LiDAR data into engineering-ready format, enabling structural modeling, sag-tension analysis, and clearance checks for power line infrastructure.
Classified Point Cloud: Separated features such as ground, vegetation, buildings, and transmission assets for easier engineering use.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM): Delivered a bare-earth surface model essential for design and environmental considerations.
Planimetric Drawings: Generated CAD-ready files showing roads, rivers, buildings, and other ground features derived directly from LiDAR returns.

Airspace & Safety

The project area encompassed Class G and restricted military airspace. Our team successfully obtained military approvals, coordinated closely with the Military Watch Commander and Navy Police Desk, and maintained transparent communications throughout operations. This ensured no data gaps and a complete, accurate dataset.

Partnership with Licensed Surveyors

To ensure proper certified data, 2cofly worked with TG Engineers, a licensed surveying and engineering firm, for the ground survey. Their ground control verification ensured the LiDAR dataset met required accuracy standards and was defensible for engineering and regulatory use.

Timeline

From flight planning to final deliverables—including coordination, aerial acquisition, and data processing—the project was completed in just four weeks, meeting schedule requirements without compromising quality.

Key Takeaway

This project demonstrates 2cofly’s ability to deliver complex, certified, engineering-grade datasets under challenging airspace conditions, proving our capability to support large-scale renewable energy and infrastructure development projects in Micronesia.

2cofly (pronounced Ecofly) is Micronesia's leading drone service and education provider. Our core competency lies in remote sensing via various sensing technologies such as photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and more.

Few key deliverables we can output with our drones & sensors: