Your field-to-finish platform for 
utility pole data

Data needed is project specific and depends on how it is going to be used downstream. Typical requirements include pole specifications (height, class, species, condition), precise GPS location, attachment heights for all equipment, wire types and sizes, anchor and guy measurements, clearances to ground and between conductors, and high-quality calibrated photographs. Accurate data collection in one visit reduces costly re-collects and ensures compliance with NESC standards.

Make-ready engineering prepares utility poles for new attachments, such as fiber optic cables and small cell antennas. The process assesses whether poles meet safety standards, ensures proper clearances between power and communication lines, and determines if poles need reinforcement or replacement. Make-ready work ensures NESC compliance and prevents overloading.

Joint use allows multiple companies—electric utilities, telecom providers, cable companies—to share the same utility poles through rental agreements. This reduces infrastructure costs, minimizes visual clutter, and accelerates broadband deployment. Effective joint use requires coordination, accurate record-keeping, and proper asset management to ensure safety and track responsibilities.

Standard GPS provides 5 m (16 ft) accuracy for basic asset tracking. Engineering and design work typically requires accuracy to within 1 m (3 ft). High-precision applications like make-ready engineering may need RTK positioning to 3 cm (1 in) accuracy for optimal construction planning and GIS integration.

Field crews capture photographs, GPS coordinates, and basic observations at pole sites using the IKE Device. Back-office teams then use software to verify data and measure precise attachment heights, equipment positions, and spans from calibrated photos. In some organizations the same team performs both functions, while in others these are separate departments.

Common causes include incomplete data collection, inaccurate measurements, poor photo quality, incorrect GPS locations, and inconsistent formats across teams. Using predefined forms with validation, laser-calibrated photography, and cloud collaboration tools ensures high-quality data is captured correctly the first time, dramatically reducing costly re-collects.

Data interoperability ensures pole records flow seamlessly between field collection, design software, structural analysis tools, GIS systems, and asset management platforms. Without it, teams waste time on manual data re-entry, errors multiply across systems, and project timelines extend. Data sharing between systems with exports and APIs eliminates silos, enables real-time collaboration between field and office teams, and ensures everyone works from a single source of truth.

Accurate pole data is the foundation for effective master data management (MDM) and digital transformation. Utilities need standardized, verified records to create a single source of truth across GIS databases, work order systems, and financial platforms. Inaccurate data like missing attachment heights, outdated equipment records, or incorrect GPS locations creates quality issues that cascade through enterprise systems, leading to poor decisions, duplicated work, and compliance risks. Engineering-grade pole records with proper validation enable the data governance framework utilities need for regulatory reporting, strategic planning, and successful digitization initiatives.

Critical integrations include pole loading analysis (PLA) software (IKE PoleForeman, SPIDAcalc, O-Calc Pro, QuickPole, PLS CADD), GIS platforms (ESRI ArcGIS), and export formats (KML, Excel, JSON, PDF). API access enables connection with asset management and work order systems, eliminating manual data entry and accelerating project timelines.