About

What is PHE?

Pole Height Extraction, or PHE, is the process of obtaining attachment height values on utility poles from photos. This process has been bundled into a desktop application to serve the Make Ready Engineering community.

View of PHE Desktop Applicaton on Windows 10

What is the general process for completing MRE with PHE integrated?

  1. Field Data Collection (FDC) - Phase 1

    • This is the first phase in the process. There are many ways of collecting the Photos needed for the PHE phase. Fiberlink's preferred partner in this collection phase is Fulcrum. Check out Fiberlink's FDC process here.


  1. Pole Height Extraction (PHE) - Phase 2

    • The second stage in the MRE process when integrating PHE is the Pole Height Extraction phase . Here we utilize the FDC photos inside the desktop application. We simply calibrate the Measurement Tool then start gathering attachment heights.


  1. Make Ready Remedies (REM) - Phase 3

    • The Remedies are determined by the latest NESC codes. Federal, State, and Local Guidelines usually play a role too.


  1. Pole Loading Analysis (PLA) - Phase 4

    • PLA is not always required. It depends on where in the world your working. When it is required, PLA finds its place as the 4th Phase. Third party software(s) handle the PLA. Currently, Fiberlink PHE does not export to any of the common PLA formats. Keeping things simple for now!


  1. Permitting (PER) - Phase 5

    • Once the appropriate remedies and/or analysis is complete, one is typically ready to present the info to the pole owners. The Pole owners are responsible for the initial review. Most pole owners have their prefered method of permit processing, so its good to be flexible in your approach.


  1. Third Party Management (TPM) - Phase 6

    • Once the Pole Owner approves your attachment application you can move on to Phase 6 - TPM. If your proposal requires other existing parties on the pole to move for additional space for your new facility you will need to coordinate with them. This is usually a requirement deemed necessary upon review and approval from the power company.


Disclaimer: This is a general process and does not take into consideration the complexities of OTMR the United States - FCC set into effect May 20, 2019.


How does the measurement tool in PHE work?

The tool works by knowing two reference distances along a line. Notice in the display of the Measurement Tool example, there is the basepoint, which defines the origin for measurement. The value is fixed to zero by default (has been set to 17.22 in the display example below). Above the base point, there are two reference measurements (21.8ft and 33.8 ft in the display example) that you have to enter and position correctly in the image (in line with the height stick). Based on these inputs, Fiberlink PHE then computes the distance that is shown on top (Calibrated Measure) also know as the "slider" part of the tool.


Note that the three reference points are indicated with a small triangle on the left side of the line, while the point with the computed measurement is drawn with a plain line. The point that you want to compute, does not have to be at the very top. You can also slide the plain line or "slider" between the reference measurements, or even below the base point (resulting in a negative distance) .


Display of the PHE Measurement Tool

Note: Tool offset for demonstration. To be used in line with height stick.




What are some of the benefits with Pole Height Extraction from photos?

  • Speed and certainty in your Make Ready Engineering process.

  • Assurance through measurable photographic evidence that can defend your decision making.