Why Would a Wind Energy Management Company Use XMap? 
The application of GIS technology for wind energy applications
Project managers utilize GIS technology for many aspects of wind energy management operations:
Wind Potential Analysis
GIS software can import and display wind resource data, which indicates optimum wind availability in your area of interest. Historic wind patterns can be correlated with wind speed measurements collected onsite and overlaid on a topographic map or aerial image.
Property Acquisition
GIS data, often readily available from local, regional or national government GIS departments, can clearly display property ownership, easements, public land, community boundaries and much more. This data can help developers plan, negotiate and eventually apply for permitting to comply with the legal requirements for a project.
Power Planning and Distribution
GIS can display transmission line availability and capacity for power distribution planning. During construction, the new power collection infrastructure can mapped and integrated as a new GIS layer. After a wind farm has been constructed, GIS can provide project managers with infrastructure monitoring and transmission line connection status.
Tower & Turbine Placement
A topographic map and 3-D terrain model will quickly highlight the optimal site for turbine placement and help expose obstructions to the prevailing wind. Integrated GIS data can also help determine the suitability of site from a geophysical or geological perspective.
Compliance and Community Collaboration
Environmental compliance is critical for wind energy project development. Developers must take into account avian and bat migratory patterns, wetland or other environmentally vulnerable areas, cumulative turbine noise potential and visual impact. GIS can display and present these data layers for public review and community outreach.
Data Collection
GPS data collected on site and imported into GIS software can assist with all aspects of wind farm development, including site-specific wind speed measurement, tower site placement, new power distribution networks, road construction and much more.
GPS Navigation
Whether you are a construction foreman, a project coordinator, a land acquisition specialist, an electrical engineer, a vegetation control manager or a GIS administrator, you still need to know where you are going. GIS & GPS provide the essential routing, location and navigation tools to help you find the job site quickly and efficiently.
To learn more about GIS for wind energy visit xmap.com/wind or contact the DeLorme professional sales team at 1-800-293-2389 or prosales@delorme.com
Tags: GIS Software, Wind Energy, XMap
