LiDAR 3D mapping conducted in Northland

3D aerial mapping conducted in Northland will attract up to $800,000 in funding from the New Zealand government.

The remote sensing tool LiDAR will be used to provide the region with accurate geographical data to inform better business decisions.

The data will provide authorities with more confidence to progress infrastructure projects and deliver better, more cost-effective planning and a better understanding and ability to plan for sustainable land management.

“This will be the most comprehensive LiDAR exercise ever undertaken in New Zealand and the high-quality mapping data produced will provide a blueprint of the whole region,” said Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges.

“It will produce data that is 10 times more accurate than what is currently used and can have a wide range of uses from forest inventory, floodplain mapping, urban planning and coastal engineering to its use for the design of powerlines, roads, railways, mines, farms and land developments.”

The 3D mapping is part of Northland’s joint Economic Action Plan with government and the region, which contains projects identified as being key to supporting economic growth.

“The data can be used by forestry companies to help plan their logging operations, horticulture companies for sustainable land management and by public and private operators to plan pest control,” said Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

“On the farm it can be used for creating topographic maps of fields and for crop mapping in vineyards and orchards. It will be a valuable tool for decision-makers to use in working out how to get the best use of their land.”

LiDAR also helps with detailed hazard planning and preparation by identifying any changes to land formations, water courses and physical structures after a natural event.

Funding for the Northland LiDAR project comes from the government’s Regional Growth Program, co-led by the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment. Land Information New Zealand has also contributed funds.

The government’s funding has been collectively matched by the four Northland councils.

LiDAR surveying is expected to start within the coming months and be completed in 2018. A Cessna twin-engine aeroplane, modified for LiDAR surveying, will be used. The plane can be flown safely at low altitudes over urban areas.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/photocanal25

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