A Review of UAV Applications in the Design, Construction, and Operation & Maintenance of Overhead Transmission Lines

Jiacheng Han

doi:10.6919/ICJE.202508_11(8).0021

Authors

Jiacheng Han

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6919/ICJE.202508_11(8).0021

Keywords:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle; Overhead Transmission Lines; Design; Smart Grid.

Abstract

With the expansion of power systems and the increasing complexity of transmission lines, traditional manual inspection and construction methods-characterized by low efficiency, high costs, and elevated risks-are becoming insufficient to meet the modern power grid’s demands for safety and intelligence. This limitation is especially pronounced in challenging environments such as mountainous regions, dense forests, and bodies of water. In recent years, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), owing to their high flexibility, low operational costs, and strong environmental adaptability, have been widely applied throughout the entire lifecycle of overhead transmission lines, including design, construction, and operation & maintenance. UAVs significantly enhance operational efficiency and the intelligence level of grid management through applications in route surveying, 3D modeling, conductor stringing monitoring, safety inspections, and defect detection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of typical UAV applications and key technical approaches in overhead transmission lines. It further analyzes current challenges in environmental adaptability, intelligent operation, data fusion, and standardization systems, and explores future development directions to offer insights for related research and engineering practice.

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