Logansport Utilities Advanced GIS mapping project to utilize specialized equipment

Last Updated on March 19, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

Logansport Utilities is launching a digital mapping project of the city’s electric distribution system utilizing precision laser mapping and detailed panoramic imagery.

The project will create a detailed, GIS-based (Geographic Information System) inventory of approximately 22,000 utility poles across roughly 334 roadside miles and 75 miles of nonroadside assets within Logansport Utilities’ service territory.

The utility has partnered with NV5 Geospatial to complete the comprehensive project. Residents
can expect NV5 marked SUV or trucks equipped with specialized camera and LiDAR equipment
driving through the LU electric service area.

Professional-grade drones will also be used to capture imagery of poles not visible from the roadway. All drone operations will follow federal aviation regulations and industry best practices.

The drones will be focused solely on utility infrastructure. No footage will be used for code enforcement, property inspections, or unrelated purposes. The data collected is strictly for documenting electric system assets and improving system reliability and safety.

Using advanced mobile LiDAR technology, high-resolution spherical imagery, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the project will document:

  • Utility pole locations and heights
  • Equipment mounted on poles (transformers, switches, reclosers, etc.)
  • Primary electric phase tracing
  • Wire and service drop modeling with meters

This initiative marks a significant step in transitioning to a modern, cloud-based GIS system.

The new GIS system will provide several benefits to the community with improved outage response and restoration, more accurate asset management, enhanced infrastructure planning, better long-term system reliability and improved field access to real-time system data.

“This project positions Logansport Utilities for the future,” said CEO/Superintendent Greg Toth. “We’re strengthening reliability, improving operational efficiency, and investing in smarter infrastructure for our community.”

Field data collection is expected to begin this month and continue up to 4 weeks. Additional data collection is expected to start late May/early June 2026.

SOURCE: News release from Logansport Utilities