Project Overview
The Capricorn-Wide Bay Imagery Capture Project, commissioned by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, aimed to acquire high-resolution aerial photography across an expansive area of approximately 72,000 square kilometres along the Capricorn Coast. The project encompassed seven local government areas from Gladstone to the Sunshine Coast, presenting unique challenges due to the variability of coastal weather and the complexity of aerial photography in such regions.
Client Requirements
The Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development required high-quality, geospatially accurate imagery to serve as a foundational layer for various applications within government and local agencies. This included the need for seamless integration with existing geospatial data and the delivery of imagery that could withstand rigorous public and administrative scrutiny.
Our Approach and Solutions
- Innovative Technology Deployment – Photomapping utilised the Leica DMC4 camera system during this project, which featured a four-band multi-head camera designed for high-resolution imagery capture at altitudes of up to 7,500 metres. This approach minimised air traffic control issues and allowed for extended operational windows.
- Comprehensive Data Processing – The data capture phase spanned approximately three months, during which our team conducted around 90 hours of flight time. A team of three in Cairns was responsible for data ingestion, error triangulation and imagery rectification. The acquired data, exceeding 100 terabytes, was then securely uploaded to an Amazon Web Services (AWS) facility in Sydney for processing.
- Strategic Partnership – Photomapping partnered with Hexagon to perform the mosaic generation and final product delivery. This collaboration ensured high-quality, seamless imagery products, which were delivered to the client via cloud services.
Project Outcomes and Key Achievements
- Successful Data Acquisition – Despite facing challenges – including restricted airspace and variable weather conditions – we successfully captured imagery across six local government areas.
- High-Quality Deliverables – The imagery produced from the DMC4 camera system exceeded the client’s expectations, leading to further engagement for additional projects along the Cairns coast. The project not only demonstrated the capabilities of the DMC4 but also established a reliable workflow for future engagements.
- Enhanced Understanding and Infrastructure – The size and complexity of the project provided valuable insights into processing requirements, leading to optimised IT infrastructure and project workflows. The experience gained from this project has equipped the team to handle similar large-scale projects efficiently in the future.
Conclusion:
The successful execution of The Capricorn-Wide Bay Imagery Capture Project not only delivered high-resolution imagery but also positioned Photomapping as a trusted partner for future projects with the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. The project served as an example of how utilising the latest technology, strategic partnerships and effective project management can lead to outstanding results.
The Capricorn-Wide Bay Imagery Capture Project not only fulfilled the client’s immediate needs but also paved the way for ongoing collaboration and improved capabilities in aerial photography for government applications.
