FERAL –
In Field Data Capture for CATAN
What is FERAL?
FERAL is software used to capture power line route data for use in CATAN. FERAL runs on a PocketPC handheld computer connected to a Sokkia Total Station.
The connection to the Total Station is by cable or Bluetooth. FERAL triggers the Total Station to take the measurements
Main FERAL Screen
Feral shows a plan view of where you are and each survey shot
taken appears instantly on the display
FERAL Job Types
General Survey Pickup: Point information is gathered for a new line or an existing line and processed back in the office with CATAN.
Pole Spotting: As well as the point information being gathered, pole locations can be checked for clearance in the field and pegged. This data is checked and final design calculations done back in the office with CATAN
Key
Points of FERAL for either Job Type
- Eliminates data entry errors as the data from
the Total Station is recorded by FERAL.
- Interfaces directly to CATAN.
- No need to transfer data from the Total
Station to the PC. A FERAL file is transferred using normal windows
functions.
- FERAL holds the CATAN field codes so they do
not need to be remembered.
- Plan view of the job as you go.
- Can setup off the centreline
Key Points of FERAL for Pole Spotting
- While surveying, the user can test pole
locations to ensure that the required clearance is obtained. The
user selects the pole positions from the centreline points, enters
the attachment height for each and FERAL displays a profile of that
span.
- There is no need to revisit the site as the
pole locations have been pegged.
- When checked in CATAN you can modify pole heights and strengths and crossarms used as long as you don’t move a pole. If a pole is moved then the site will need to be revisited.
Existing Lines
FERAL can be use to survey existing powerlines by
taking measurements to pole locations, points of attachments, mid-span
ground positions and mid-span wire positions. CATAN can then be used to
calculate the existing stringing and determine the current state of the
line or options for uprating the line.