Washington residents should not be alarmed by a low-flying helicopter around town this week.

ITC Midwest is conducting aerial Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR, research of high-transmission structures and lines throughout southeast and south central Iowa this week, weather permitting. LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses light to measure distances from objects to the ground to create a three-dimensional data set. This research is being conducted for the electricity transmission company by the University of Iowa and will cover the company’s transmission lines in and around communities including Washington, Fairfield, and Sigourney. The flights will be conducted using a twin-turbine helicopter with dark green and camouflage paint, and will be conducted at low altitudes of 200 to 300 feet to ensure research integrity. This is a normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines during this week.