Why wait for satellite data when you can send out a Learjet equipped with high-resolution sensors to get the imagery you need, faster?
That’s the value proposition from IO Aerospace, a participant in this year’s DTECH Initiate program. IO Aerospace offers high-altitude remote sensing to provide utilities with high-resolution data, and promises faster data delivery than traditional satellite operations.
IO Aerospace has developed a custom imagery solution, IO Imagery, that provides ultra-high-resolution aerial data and extracts detailed features to support utility companies in managing infrastructure and vegetation along powerline corridors. Its system captures 10cm resolution imagery from a jet at high altitudes and speeds. Once the imagery is collected, IO Imagery orthorectifies the images and creates a digital elevation model. From this processed imagery, the company extracts photo-identifiable features such as poles and vegetation, analyzes network topology, and uses vegetation indices to assess vegetation health. This enables precise updates of pole locations, and the creation of a 3D catenary model of conductors.
“Our proprietary algorithms measure the 3D distance between conductors and vegetation, assigning a priority ranking to each span based on the utility’s business rules to identify potential vegetation conflicts,” said Alyssa Weber, Geospatial Product Lead at IO Aerospace. “This result is targeted, actionable information including orthorectified imagery, elevation model, extracted vector layers, and computed vegetation powerline conflict map—delivered in a format optimized for utility operations.”
IO Aerospace boasts wide-area coverage, with the ability to map 10,000 square kilometers in a single flight. The IO Imagery solution allows users to pay only for their specified area of interest, with per-kilometer or per-area pricing options. Users can also customize their requested area maps as linear corridors or irregular shapes to avoid purchasing map data they don’t need. Additionally, the company promises initial data delivery within days – much quicker than satellite alternatives.
“Vegetation encroachment is a leading cause of power outages and wildfire risks,” Weber said. “IO Imagery provides a proactive, data-driven approach to vegetation management by delivering up-to-date, high-resolution data more efficiently than traditional methods and even faster than satellites. Our airborne custom-built system captures ultra-detailed imagery over large areas, providing reliable and timely insights. With our advanced processing capabilities, utilities gain accurate pole location updates, enhanced vegetation health assessments, and prioritized conflict indicators. This empowers utilities to optimize inspections, pre-planning, and patrol work—reducing operational risks, improving response times, and enhancing overall grid reliability.”
At DTECH, IO Aerospace is looking forward to presenting its IO Imagery solution for the first time for utility stakeholders.
“The Initiate Program offers a unique platform to introduce and showcase IO Imagery, our newest solution, to industry leaders, potential clients, and partners,” Weber said. “This will be our first major event to present IO Imagery, and we are thrilled to demonstrate how our innovative high-resolution aerial data and proprietary analytics can transform vegetation management for utilities. Being part of the Initiate Program provides an invaluable opportunity to gather feedback, refine our approach, and explore potential collaborations. We believe our technology has the power to revolutionize how utilities monitor and manage their infrastructure. We are looking forward to learning from industry experts and build connections that will help advance our innovative approach forward.”
Initiate is your gateway to discovering the up-and-coming innovations in the energy sector at DTECH. Witness firsthand how startups are transforming the industry, and stop by to hear the newest solutions on the market, breakthrough technologies, and connect with innovators from across the globe. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore fresh ideas and connect with the future of transmission and distribution!
Check out these other startups participating in the Initiate program that you won’t want to miss at DTECH!
- This startup wants to help utilities get more out of their transmission lines with drones
- A startup is trying to predict and prevent outages before they occur
- This startup is giving utilities more control at the grid edge without costly retrofits
- One software solution to rule them all: How a startup is enabling utility compliance
- What supply chain constraints? This startup’s long-duration batteries are powered by molten salt
- Downed power lines? This startup can deploy a temporary restoration solution in minutes
- ‘Task the Learjet like a satellite’ – This startup offers fast, high-altitude remote sensing
- Are your battery systems missing revenue opportunities? This startup wants to help
- This startup’s EV chargers mount to utility poles for recharging in dense urban areas
This list will be updated as more startups are featured.
