Benefits of Remotely Sensed Data during Landform Construction
Remotely sensed data allows the whole of a landform to be surveyed to a degree of accuracy not previously achievable using ground-based methodologies. For example, we are now able to measure parameters such as batter angle over a whole slope – this not only allows you to determine if the angle along the batter is correct but also to identify if there are any areas of concavity or convexity which may cause flow concentration or acceleration in an area.
Remote sensing can be utilised throughout the landform construction process and the data has many beneficial uses. Two key uses for remote sensed data during the landform construction process are:
- Assessment against approved landform designs
- Identification of areas of high erosion risk.
During landform construction, remotely sensed data can be used to assess compliance with approved designs. This is a useful tool for ensuring that earthworks contractors are meeting the specifications set in contracts. It can also be used to demonstrate compliance with any completion criteria or tenement conditions requiring landforms to be built to an approved design.
The high resolution three-dimensional data also allows for hydrological modelling to determine areas that are at high risk of erosion, for example low points on a berm where ponding may occur which may result in overtopping or tunnelling in the future. Identification of high risk areas during the construction phase is vital to minimising the cost of rectification and ensuring future rehabilitation success.
Assessment of landform geometry parameters from remotely sensed data is cost effective and could be conducted using data already captured on site for other uses. If you are interested in finding out whether remote sensing will be useful for rehabilitation monitoring at your site please get in contact with us. We can also let you know what assessment can be done utilising data that you already have.