The 180km rail line from Blayney to Demondrille was decommissioned in 2007. Spatial data was required to enable feasibility studies into the potential reopening.

The rail line near Cowra has been out of operation for a long period of time, with a change of operator since services ceased, so information to inform a new design was minimal or unusable. SMEC needed to develop a system to obtain a complete new spatial data set to take the alignment to the next stage of design for reopening and revitalisation of the infrastructure.

Monteath & Powys were engaged to complete several facets of the project including survey control, overall LiDAR and aerial imagery, and 3D laser scanning of Carcoar Tunnel and Cowra Viaduct.

With the remote location and COVID travel restrictions, survey methodology was refined to ensure minimal time was required on site, with data acquisition completed via remote methods where possible.  This still requires accurate survey control to be placed and utilised, particularly given the length of the project.

LiDAR and aerial imagery was captured using a fixed wing aircraft over two days.  All data was then coordinated and shifted to Australian Height Datum using the survey control placed along the 180km route.

The Carcoar Tunnel and Cowra Viaduct required additional survey to a greater level of accuracy to enable design.  Both of these structures were 3D laser scanned with full 3D point cloud models created to an accuracy of +/-5mm.  The survey control was consistent with the overall aerial control allowing the LiDAR and terrestrial laser scanned data to be combined to create a single overall model.

By capturing the data in this manner we were able to provide our client with a fit for purpose 3D Spatial Model spanning 180km in a safe, accurate and efficient way.