2010-03-01
Lidar Technology can aid water sustainability planning
Water scarcity is becoming an increasing global concern, especially in countries where it has been forecast that fresh water resources will not be sufficient to provide for the growing populations of those countries. In developing countries, water quality forms further anxiety. World population has doubled and water usage has tripled since 1950. In Africa more than 300-million people out of an estimated 800-million people already live in a water-scarce area.It is expected that in South Africa, the demand for water will exceed its supply by 2025. Climate change forecasts also warn that the country will also become drier, especially across the western part. Governments and private companies alike are looking into ways of preventing the situation from deteriorating further. One solution is through proper water resource management, such as building dams inside a country’s major rivers to make additional water available, or upgrading existing water resources to operate more efficiently.
Southern Mapping Company (SMC) has been commissioned to provide aerial Lidar surveys for many important dam projects. Most recent assignments were the Nacala Dam upgrades in Northern Mozambique and the Fish River water project in Keetmanshoop, Namibia.
Peter Moir, Chief Executive for SMC explained how the data obtained in the surveys are applied to projects: “Planning forms a pivotal part of the management of any project. It reduces the possibility of error and streamlines the rest of the project management process. Through the results acquired with aerial Lidar surveys, possible pitfalls in the implementation can be identified and avoided, thereby simplifying planning. In the area of water resource management, Lidar surveys can play an important role”.
The data resulting from the Nacala Dam survey allowed project planners to determine the feasibility of the project which aims to rehabilitate the dam and prevent it from leaking. It is further endeavoured to increase the dam’s storage capacity. The dam’s floodgate system will also be upgraded to maximise its flood control ability. Improvements to the dam are critical, as it is the main water source for the Nampula Province.
Lidar information that SMC provided for the Fish River water project assisted in an environmental impact assessment to reduce hindrance of the natural surrounds. The project involves building a dam in the Fish River, just west of Keetmanshoop, which will make water available for irrigation purposes.
Moir continues, “No project is too large or too small to benefit from Lidar surveys. The extent of the Nacala Dam survey was 340ha, while the Fish River Water project neared the 12 100ha mark. Accurate data can shorten the planning phase of a project and reduce costs that may be incurred due to unforeseen problems in building or maintaining the infrastructure.”
Only through being innovative and seeking out all possible solutions to protect man’s basic source for survival, can the issue of water scarcity be changed. Technology such as Lidar is available for utilisation in order to plan, manage and increase water sustainability in Africa and across the globe. It can be the first step towards implementing lasting and noticeable changes.
About Southern Mapping Company
SMC provides topographic surveys and mapping to assist a variety of industries and sectors. These include civil engineering and infrastructure development, mineral explorations and mine management, environmental planning and rehabilitation, and urban and agricultural planning. The company operates worldwide, but specialises throughout Africa. SMC’s staff were amongst the first in the world to combine Lidar with aerial photography and now have added hyperspectral to their product offering. For more information about Southern Mapping Company please visit www.southernmapping.com.