Route selection for power line construction is usually performed manually by experts. In this paper we consider the development of route selection for power lines by means of GIS tools. We propose improved algorithm for cost raster derivation, which takes in consideration intersections with linear infrastructure. In particular, we study already existing power line grid, gas-pipelines, car roads and railroads in the west of the Leningrad region, where new power line 750 kV is planned for construction. For these objects a new method is developed and it requires the following steps. At first we construct several buffer zones, then formalize intersections and convergence of different linear objects. Simultaneously there are considered various regulatory constraints like settlements, natural reserves, land use etc. All constraints are expertly estimated via scoring. Obtained power line trace is analyzed and compared with already approved trace. Proposed method is estimated by its efficiency in comparison with manual approach.

Novakovsky Boguslav A., Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Laboratory of Digital Cartography and Photogrammetry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, GSP-1, Lomonosov Moscow State University. E-mail: dcaph@mail.ru

Kargashin Pavel E., Candidate of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics of the Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, GSP-1, Lomonosov Moscow State University. E-mail: dcaph@mail.ru

Karpachevsky Andrey M., Postgraduate student of the Department of Cartography and Geoinformatics, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, GSP-1, Lomonosov Moscow State University. E-mail: dcaph@mail.ru