As grid operators worldwide harness drone technology for the crucial, time-and-labor-intensive process of powerline inspection, Swiss power company Axpo has acquired comprehensive in-house systems and now offers these solutions across Europe and worldwide.
Axpo showcased their suite of software services at Intergeo 2025, demonstrating tools designed to streamline powerline inspection using various drone platforms. Their complete software package—LINIAair, LINIApower, and LINIAinsights—provides an integrated solution that adapts to diverse professional inspection requirements.
LINIApower: Automated Flight Planning
LINIApower operates as a web-based platform generating precise drone flight routes using digital infrastructure models. The software processes point cloud data (LiDAR) to calculate safety distances and determine optimal camera positions for capturing transmission tower and power line imagery.
The system accommodates individual pylon designs while standardizing flight paths across extensive geographical areas. Generated flight routes include pre-calculated safety margins and specific image capture points, establishing consistent parameters for aerial surveys.
LINIAair: Field Operations Software
LINIAair functions as the field application executing flight plans created in LINIApower. The software automates multiple operational tasks during inspection flights, including camera alignment, object focusing, and photo organization.
The application displays previously inspected assets and manages technical flight operations while drone pilots maintain control over navigation and safety decisions. Automated photo naming and categorization systems organize captured data according to infrastructure location and component type.
LINIAinsights: Comprehensive Data Analysis
LINIAinsights serves as the post-flight analysis environment where inspection teams review captured imagery and assess infrastructure condition. The web-based platform provides filtering and visualization tools for examining high-resolution photographs with detailed zoom capabilities.
The system includes automated report generation features and AI-based damage detection algorithms that identify potential issues in power line components. Users can compare inspection data across different time periods to track infrastructure changes and maintenance requirements.
Flexible System Integration
The LINIA suite operates as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions with modular deployment options. Grid operators can implement individual components or utilize complete end-to-end services covering flight route generation, drone operations, and data analysis.
According to Axpo, the automated inspection process addresses key challenges facing critical infrastructure operators, including costly helicopter inspections and labor-intensive ground assessments. The system targets electricity grid operators and companies providing inspection services to grid operators.
More information on Axpo and the LINIA suite is available on their website.
Read More
Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.
