Introduction  With regard to the inspection and operations of the transmission overhead line, taking advantage of airborne LiDAR can attain higher efficiency, higher accuracy, and lower cost than utilizing traditional inspection mode.

  Method  This paper was in the project setting of the Zhaoqing Power Supply Bureau transmission overhead line inspection and operations, moreover, taking the airborne LiDAR technology as the study object. Key techniques of data collection and data processing were analyzed and presented in the research. Data application mode of airborne LiDAR system in power line inspection was discussed. Also, combined with the practical experience, summary and propects were illustrated.

  Result  This paper successfully verifies the application of airborne LiDAR system in power grid inspection, and accurately obtains information of defect points in the power grid corridor, including spatial information of defect points of scanning working condition, different working conditions, cross-over, and falling tree.

  Conclusion  The analysis results can assist defect point management to effectively achieve expectations of power grid safety inspection.