Pavle Ignjatovic
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The primary challenge addressed by the Vegetation Management project was to improve the understanding and management of vegetation growth, particularly around electrical lines, to prevent fires caused by vegetation coming into contact with power lines. Traditionally, this process involved manual patrols, physical maps, and numerous manual steps, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.
To tackle this issue, we developed three integrated applications: a web app and two iOS iPad apps. These applications work together to streamline the vegetation management process, utilizing AI and satellite imagery to provide accurate and timely data. This project was commissioned by a company listed in the Fortune 500.
The first app, Vegetation Planner, is a web application designed for managers. It provides a comprehensive platform where managers can access all necessary data and visually see on a map where vegetation maintenance or cutting is required. The app leverages AI and satellite images to recognize vegetation types, their growth rates, and suggest optimal times for maintenance. This automated insight ensures that managers have accurate data, reducing the need for extensive manual analysis and enhancing decision-making efficiency.
The second app, Vegetation Patroller, is tailored for patrollers in the field. Whether traveling by helicopter, quad, or on foot, patrollers use this iOS iPad app to mark locations where vegetation poses a risk or requires maintenance. The app allows patrollers to input data directly into the system, which is then synchronized with the Vegetation Planner. This integration ensures real-time updates and accurate field data, improving the overall accuracy of vegetation management.
The final app, Vegetation Worker, is designed for on-site workers. After the Vegetation Planner manager compiles information from AI analyses, satellite images, and patroller reports, they create detailed work orders. Workers receive these orders through the Vegetation Worker app, allowing them to accept or decline tasks. Upon acceptance, workers access detailed instructions, including directions to the site, necessary equipment, and steps to complete the job. After completing the work, they submit invoices and report materials used through the app, ensuring all information is fed back into the Vegetation Planner for record-keeping and further analysis.
The design approach for all three applications was user-centered, focusing on providing intuitive and efficient tools for each user group. The web app and iOS iPad apps are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that managers, patrollers, and workers can easily navigate and utilize the features to enhance their workflow and safety.
By integrating these applications, the Vegetation Management project significantly improves the efficiency and safety of managing vegetation around electrical lines. The combination of AI, real-time data synchronization, and user-friendly interfaces ensures that all stakeholders have the tools they need to effectively prevent fires and maintain vegetation.