Abstract: The present invention includes methods of increasing the power handling capability of a power line. One method of the present invention includes providing a conductor configured to transmit energy intermediate plural locations; supporting the conductor at a plurality of positions intermediate the locations, the supporting at a plurality of positions defining a plurality of spans of the conductor; creating a model of the conductor; identifying a critical span; altering the modelled conductor responsive to the identifying; and analyzing the modelled an conductor following the altering.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method of monitoring a power transmission line. According to one embodiment, an apparatus adapted to monitor a power transmission line supported by a plurality of structures includes a first measuring device located at a position in space; and a second measuring device coupled with the power transmission line, the first measuring device and second measuring device being configured to provide position information of the second measuring device relative to the first measuring device.