Assessing the Accuracy of Eskom Geospatial Data: Case study of the 22KV electrical line in the Paynes Farm, Qunu, Eastern Cape

Session

Remote Sensing

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Authors

Guy Blanchard Ikokou, Tshwane University of Technology,South Africa,ikokou@yahoo.fr
Lonwabo Mnqojana, Eskom, South Africa, 212479659@tut4life.ac.za

Abstract

Surveying data is essential for many industrial resource activities including power line design on the ground. Eskom which is the main power line designer in South Africa relies on such data collected by its engineers and surveyors. The accuracy and consistency of this geospatial data was evaluated in this study using two GNSS receivers with equal exposure to satellite coverage. We collected location measures along a 22KV Eskom power field in Paynes farm, Qunu, Mthatha in Eastern Cape, using Trimble Juno SB handheld GNSS and a Trimble R8 Real Time device.

The field survey was completed using the Trilateration method and the new readings were compared to the existing data stored in Eskom database in Mthatha. The major discrepancy observed in the data was found originating from the Eskom original data, pointing out distorted measures within the reticulation. Although both GNSS receivers were identical in brand and data collection parameters, we found significant statistical difference in terms of average error measures. For applications that require high level of accuracy such as power line design on the ground, Trimble R8 Real Time receiver was found suitable. In contrast, for projects requiring an acceptable level of accuracy Trimble Juno SB handheld device was suggested.

It was found important that Eskom looks into implementing compulsory training courses on geospatial data collection and capturing, even though this will not prevent the problem with data inconsistency completely, but it will improve the current condition with inconsistent network data.

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