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New mapping technology to help Auckland Council combat major flooding events

Lidar imagery showing detailed river bed and bush. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council Cutting edge mapping technology is helping Auckland Council combat major flooding events, like the 2023 Anniversary Weekend floods . A low flying EC120 helicopter equipped with Light Detection and Ranging sensors (Lidar) has been mapping the city's critical waterways, creating virtual walkthroughs of stream networks that will help detect environmental changes and identify where infrastructure upgrades are needed. It's part of the council's Making Space for Water (MSFW) programme, aimed at enhancing flood resistance across Auckland. Auckland Council's healthy waters manager Craig Mcilroy said the technology was like progressing from X-ray to MRI for the environment, capturing the health of a catchment's stormwater network. "By using Lidar technology, we're obtaining a level of detail we've never had before," he said. "This data will help us visualise and understand the intricacies of Auckland's waterways in a way that hasn't been possible, right down to individual trees, slips, and bank conditions. It will equip us to tackle the challenges of urban flooding and climate change head-on." "It's a game-changer for managing flood risks and ensuring the city's resilience for future generations," Mcilroy said. So far about 560 square kilometres of the city's north and west has been mapped with high-resolution data, covering areas from Matakana and Whangateau in the north, to the urban catchments of Meola, Swanson and Henderson Creeks, Whenuapai and the North Shore. With laser-point densities reaching 250 points per square metre, the resulting datasets are over 20 times more detailed than Auckland's current regional Lidar data. The stormwater network data collection is being led by Auckland Council principal of waterways planning Danny Klimetz with support from Professor James Brasington, director of the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management at Canterbury University, with Christchurch Helicopters providing air support. "These datasets are essential for building accurate flood models, tracking erosion, and planning for the future of Auckland's waterways," Professor Brasington said. Lidar imagery showing precision of the technology. Photo: Supplied / Auckland Council Danny Klimetz is the original concept designer and brings a wealth of experience to the project. He said the undertaking highlighted the value of collaborative innovation. "Drawing from my work in the United States, it's satisfying to see we've been able to adapt this method and apply it here to New Zealand's unique landscape," Klimetz said. "With Lidar, we're creating a detailed digital elevation model that not only defines catchment shapes but also identifies vegetation, erosion, and blockages. This clarity is critical for informed decision-making and long-term planning." "By collaborating with experts like those at the University of Canterbury, we're setting a new benchmark for how councils can manage water systems effectively," he said. Lidar technology has a wide variety of applications, including Agriculture, Archaeology, Spaceflight and Law enforcement with Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown saying he's been using Lidar in his own companies for years. He said the council would be implementing many more innovation and technology initiatives in the coming years. "I'm also keen to get on with rolling out AI in the council so we can keep up with business around us," he said. "Growth in the technology sector is a core focus of work in my refreshed manifesto. This is also part of our plan to modernise services. We must make better use of technology to make the council faster and more efficient. "The Making Space for Water programme will be more effective and developed faster because of this; it's another move that will help build physical and financial resilience into Auckland for future generations," Brown said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.