Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor study: a computer-assisted corridor location and impact evaluation assessment

Abstract

A computer-assisted method was used to locate and evaluate approximately 1,200 miles of alternative corridors within an 8,000 square mile study region. The method involved in-depth impact analyses for nine major location criteria or determinant models. Regional "experts" from the Rocky Mountain area participated with BPA in developing model structure. Software were used to process linear and topographic data and to "optimize" least impact routes. Impact maps and statistics were generated. Computer output was tempered with extensive field work to develop preferred transmission line locations. Despite encountering problem areas in this application, the method is considered an effective, systematic analytical tool for regional scale planning and location projects where extensive and diverse resource data must be processed.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of our national landscape: a conference on applied techniques for analysis and management of the visual resource [Incline Village, Nev., April 23-25, 1979]

Citation

Murray, Timothy J.; Bisenius, Daniel J.; Marcotte, Jay G. 1979. Northwest Montana/North Idaho transmission corridor study: a computer-assisted corridor location and impact evaluation assessment. In: Elsner, Gary H., and Richard C. Smardon, technical coordinators. 1979. Proceedings of our national landscape: a conference on applied techniques for analysis and management of the visual resource [Incline Village, Nev., April 23-25, 1979]. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-35. Berkeley, CA. Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Exp. Stn., Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: p. 470-476