Based on a brief introduction of the operational principle of terrestrial 3D LiDar, this paper describes some typical defects detection methods of security distance in the overhead transmission line with living examples. These tests are realized by the Z+F Imager 5010 terrestrial 3D LiDar and Polyworks. The research results show that terrestrial LiDar technology can achieve the defect evaluation of defect detection of security distance in the overhead transmission lines. And this technology has many advantages, such as portable, security, intuitive and high precision.

The paper briefly reviews the operational principles and commercialized conditions of airborne three-dimensional (3D) LiDar and terrestrial 3D LiDar. And then the representative functions of 3D LiDar that are developed for the operation and maintenance of overhead transmission lines (OTL) are described in detail. Besides, the problems associated with the process of applying 3D LiDar to OTL are analyzed. It is pointed out that it is necessary to make improvement to several aspects, including new functions development, standardization of application approaches and the simplification of data processing.