Dam Site Investigation

DAM SITE INVESTIGATION

LiDAR & Aerial Photography

Power generation. All modern communities need it and in times when the earth's resources have to be carefully allocated, water and other renewable resources are in high demand.

In many countries the terrain & climate mean that damming waterways and rivers becomes an economically viable alternative to mining, wind farms or other sources of power generation. New Zealand is one such country and NZ Aerial Mapping (NZAM) was recently involved in the early stages of a one such project.

One of New Zealand's leading power generation companies approached NZAM to apply their expertise to the project.

Case study: Mokihinui Dam Site - West Coast, New Zealand

The West Coast of New Zealand is a rugged, heavily vegetated, climatically challenging area... a great place to build a new hydro scheme.

Needing to provide electricity to a population of 31,000 people spread over an area of 23,000 sq km, this project was a major challenge for the power generation company charged with undertaking it.

Aerial photography and accurate terrain data were an early requirement from the generators in their pre-feasibility phase.

NZ Aerial Mapping was tasked with the responsibility of providing high-resolution ortho-imagery and LiDAR data. Several aerial sorties were undertaken due to the inclement nature of the weather, difficult terrain and operating conditions.

A ground survey component added difficulties to the project. Close liaison was needed with field-survey parties supplying ground check & photo control services.

The supplied ortho-imagery at 35cm GSD, LiDAR ground model to +/- 0.15m in z and 2-metre and 5-metre contours are now being used by the power generators for public consultation processes, animations & fly-throughs, geological, ecological and vegetative studies, property, planning & consent issues and many other uses to help aid in the eventual approval and construction of the new dam.

The project continues to go through the arduous public consultation process. Debate on the pros and cons of the dam will continue for some time. Public consultation and the capability for better decision making is aided by the use of technology and visualization tools.

If the project does eventually proceed then NZAM, its expertise, service & technology will have played its part in the regions growing infrastructure.

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