ETH Zurich · Research project
3D Decision Support System for planning power transmission lines
Visualize, analyze, and communicate complex spatial decisions with ease.
About the project
Six years of collaborative research
Developed through extensive research with multiple TSOs and DSOs, our 3D Decision Support System (3D DSS) is a flexible and field-tested tool that makes planning power transmission lines more efficient and transparent. By combining cutting-edge 3D technology, GIS, and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), it supports better communication with stakeholders and the public — fostering trust, improving acceptance, and accelerating decision-making.
Over six years of collaborative research, the 3D DSS was developed together with transmission line experts and government authorities — today it offers a reliable solution that makes planning power transmission lines more transparent, efficient, and widely accepted.
Capabilities
Smarter power line planning with 3D DSS
Our advanced decision-support tool helps planners, authorities, and stakeholders design and evaluate power transmission routes more efficiently and transparently.
Instant route optimization
Identify optimal paths in seconds to streamline the planning process and focus on the best solutions.
Interactive route evaluation
Assess user-defined routes against key objectives to test ideas and refine designs in a data-driven framework.
Immersive 3D visualization
Immerse yourself in a realistic 3D environment to intuitively understand the landscape impact of planned routes.
Objective stakeholder dialogue
Support transparent discussions with clear visualizations and comparable alternatives that foster informed consensus.
Cost and risk awareness
Balance economic, environmental, and social factors — from construction costs to ecosystem protection and risk minimization.
Seamless integration
Easily integrate 3D DSS into your existing planning processes and GIS workflows to accelerate decision-making.
Benefits
Find better routes — faster, smarter, and more transparent.
- Save time and costs: Instantly identify optimal routes and avoid inefficient comparisons.
- Support informed decisions: Evaluate your own routes and discover alternatives that better meet planning objectives.
- Facilitate consensus: Visualize and communicate trade-offs clearly to align stakeholders around optimal solutions.
Research
Method, decision model and publications
The 3D DSS is the outcome of a research project at ETH Zurich. These pages explain how it works and where the results have been published.
Method
Concept, planning process, objectives, weighting and the five working steps of the 3D DSS.
Decision model
The objectives and factors of the decision model in detail, in English and German.
Publications
Peer-reviewed papers, further publications, scientific reports, Master theses and posters.
Impressions
The 3D DSS in pictures
Software
Empowering better decisions
The 3D DSS application gives planners and stakeholders powerful tools to design and compare power transmission routes.
- Instant optimal route computation
- Immersive 3D visualizations
- Transparent, data-driven decision support
Watch, read, listen
News from the project
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Blogbeitrag Swissgrid
Wie das 3D DSS funktioniert, soll kein Geheimnis sein. Aus diesem Grund haben Joshu Jullier (Swissgrid) und Joram Schito (ETH Zürich) ein…
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3D DSS Abschlussworkshop am 17.11.2020
Kennen Sie das 3D DSS bereits und möchten Ihre Erfahrungen einbringen und mitdiskutieren, wie Sie es in Zukunft einsetzen können? Oder haben…
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Einladung zum Abschlussworkshop
Questions about the research?
Get in touch with the project team at ETH Zurich.