Step 1: Identify macro corridors First the planning staff
identifies beginning and end points where a new power line is
needed. Satellite imagery and data on roads, terrain and
existing transmission lines are merged to form one digital map
of the study area. This map is comprised of a grid of
100-square-foot cells. Each cell on the map is ranked (see
ranking process below). Features such as residential land use,
agriculture and wetlands are ranked from 1 (most suitable) to 9
(least suitable). Using the cell values, a computer algorithm
calculates optimal paths for three types of suitability
surfaces: • locating with existing transmission lines • locating
with existing road rights of way • crossing less developed areas
The optimal paths are identified as macro corridors. Combined,
the outer boundaries of the macro corridors define the study
area. Step 2: Identify alternative corridors More detailed data
(including aerial photography, detailed land use/land cover,
buildings, etc.) are collected to identify alte