Systems and methods for distributed sensing of a powerline conductor

A method comprising:

• transmitting a surface wave mode signal imposed on a powerline conductor at a first location along the powerline conductor toward a second location along the powerline conductor;
• receiving at least a portion of the transmitted surface wave mode signal at the second location along the powerline conductor;
• and
• monitoring a signal strength of the received portion of the transmitted surface wave mode signal over time to determine whether a physical encroachment of the powerline conductor exists between the first location and the second location.

A method comprising:

• installing a first device onto a powerline conductor at a first location along the powerline conductor, wherein the first device transmits a surface wave mode signal imposed on the powerline conductor at the first location for propagation along the powerline conductor toward a second location along the powerline conductor;
• installing a second device onto the powerline conductor at the second location along the powerline conductor, wherein the second device receives at least a portion of the transmitted surface wave mode signal at the second location;
• and
• providing an analysis subsystem, communicatively coupled to at least the second device, that monitors a signal strength of the received portion of the transmitted surface wave mode signal over time to determine whether a physical encroachment of the powerline conductor exists between the first location and the second location.