The City of Launceston is conducting an aerial survey of the city this week, using a helicopter to update its 3D computer models of the municipality.
The aerial survey involves capturing a sequence of photographs that are stitched together and imported into specialised software to render an accurate 3D model.
The Council uses these models for a variety of purposes, including in the assessment of planning applications and the development of major projects.
The Council routinely publishes map data on its website, along with a host of other open data resources: https://www.launceston.tas.gov.au/Maps-Apps-and-Data.
The Council’s Strategy, Economic Development and Analytics Team Leader Jarred Ranson said the last aerial survey undertaken by the Council had occurred six years ago.
“In the intervening period the City of Launceston has approved more than half a billion dollars of development, so the municipality has changed considerably in that time and we want to ensure our modelling is up to date,” Mr Ranson said.
“What it means is that over the next few days, you may notice a helicopter flying above the city during daylight hours as this image capture is completed.
“This kind of modelling gives planners, developers, councillors and the general public a different way to view and interact with the city.
“This year the Council is also working with partner agencies to provide new satellite mapping of the municipality for use in products like Google Maps, to ensure satellite imagery of Launceston remains relevant and up to date.”
Weather permitting, the helicopter is expected to operate in daylight hours from today until Friday.
