Midspans & Critical Crossings -
Height Stick Operator

The same definitions apply for the height stick operator:

• Midspans - the midpoint between the poles, this should also be the point where the cables are closest to the ground (although the midpoint will not always align perfectly with the lowest point). 

• Critical Crossings - Additional sections along the span where the make ready clearances are different from the midpoint, with a higher clearance threshold (may not be present in each span).

The requirements for holding the height stick in the place are the same whether you are at a midspan or critical crossing:

1. The bottom of the height stick must touch the ground. Heights should be relative to the ground, and heights are always calculated relative to the bottom of the height stick. Lifting the height stick will cause calculated heights to be lower than the attachment’s position in reality. 

2. The height stick vertical and positioned directly beneath the wires. Best practice is to measure heights relative to the ground. Heights are calculated in-line with the height stick. Because clearance rules are concerned with the point directly beneath the wires, these are the heights the fielder should collect. If your wires are far enough out of line, you may need to capture additional height shots. Holding the stick completely vertical will yield the most accurate data (hold it straight such that, if there was no wind, the stick would balance itself.) 

3. The red and white side of the height stick must face the camera. First, this is the side the target stickers which data processors use to calibrate the photo are on. Second, the red and white sections can be used to manually measure heights if part of the height stick is obstructed. There will be times where obstacles block part of the height stick from view. Vegetation is the most common cause. In these cases, ensure 4 known heights are visible. Data Processors can manually calibrate a photo if they have 4 known heights. Do not raise the stick to avoid an obstruction, prioritize contact with the ground.

*For a video visual of how to collect midspan and critical crossings, see the Midspans & Critical Crossings - Main Camera Operator section.