Uploaded on 2017-01-14 by Brett

Full moon over Washington D.C. - Beyond the extraordinarily bright full moon and the most prominent landmarks, the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol, we may clearly observe very distinct densities in lighting; clusters of lighting intensities, patterns, and colors; as well as vaguely observable infrastructure, e.g. water tower, surface street intersections, and perhaps airport navigation lighting. Two types of “invisible information” that could be extracted include: 1.) land zoning and usage, e.g. residential vs. commercial, and 2.) electric power distribution systems e.g. the cables, transformers, and other systems that carry electric power from generation plants through high and medium transmission networks, and ultimately to individual consumers. For this exercise, I selected electric power distribution systems. Of course, there are several other interrelated elements of “invisible information” that might be extracted…such as transportation thoroughfares (road, rails, pedestrian), potable water and sewer systems, communication and security networks (cable, fiber, wireless), petroleum, gas, and other industrial chemical lines, etc. So how might the “invisible information” of the electric power distribution systems become knowledge and contribute to urban planning? A very simple example might be the initial ideas surrounding plans for electrical system operations and maintenance, as well as adaptation and introduction of new technologies such as micro-grids, electric vehicles, commercial and residential photovoltaics, etc.