Aerometrex Limited has secured a contract worth up to A$0.68 million from the South Australian Department for Environment and Water (DEW) to develop a high-resolution 3D reality mesh project. The initiative focuses on monitoring and analysing sand volumes along the Adelaide metropolitan coastline, an essential move for sustainable coastal management. This award bolsters Aerometrex’s leadership in high-resolution 3D imagery solutions for environmental purposes, setting the company on a course to cement its market dominance.

Key contract details

Aerometrex’s project involves monthly aerial captures over the coastline using helicopters to gather oblique imagery at a sharp 2cm GSD (ground sample distance). This data will be used to construct detailed 3D models that allow volumetric analysis of the region’s sand deposits. Such precise measurements are critical for determining changes in the volume and position of sand along the coast, supporting DEW’s efforts in predictive coastal management. By examining these variations, DEW can enhance its ability to protect coastal areas from erosion, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activity.

The contract outlines a service period from September 2024 to September 2025, with monthly data collection at the core of the project. Aerometrex has a chance to earn between $0.34 million and $0.68 million, depending on the number of captures conducted during the service period. DEW, however, retains the right to terminate the project with four weeks’ notice if the service is no longer required, offering flexibility for both parties.

Reinforcing industry leadership

Aerometrex Managing Director, Steve Masters, highlighted the importance of the project, stating it showcases the company’s advanced technology in the realm of environmental management. Masters stressed that Aerometrex’s work on this project builds on a successful pilot programme with DEW’s Coast Protection Branch, which concluded in January 2024. He added that the project aligns perfectly with the company’s sustainability goals, contributing to long-term environmental protection and offering a positive impact on the local community.

The company’s 3D capabilities are not limited to coastal monitoring. Aerometrex has supported other environmental efforts, including bushfire management, surface water assessments, and erosion control. Its tools have also been employed in agriculture to manage carbon credits and monitor catchments, such as those affecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Expert opinion

Aerometrex’s project with DEW reflects the increasing reliance on 3D geospatial technology for environmental sustainability. The precision offered by their 2cm GSD oblique imagery provides unparalleled data to measure changes in natural environments. Industry observers expect that this contract could set a precedent for future environmental projects across Australia and globally, as more organisations turn to advanced geospatial technologies to safeguard sensitive ecosystems.

The success of this contract could also enhance Aerometrex’s reputation as a premier provider of 3D visualisation services, further expanding its influence in industries ranging from environmental management to urban planning. Its work in Adelaide could lead to additional opportunities, both domestically and in international markets such as the United States, where the company is already active.

Aerometrex’s involvement in the Adelaide Metro Coastal Sand Monitoring Program marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to support environmental sustainability through cutting-edge 3D technology. This contract not only reinforces its position as a leader in the geospatial sector but also contributes to critical environmental initiatives that protect coastal ecosystems from erosion and other damaging factors.

  Adelaide, Aerometrex Limited, Australia, DEW, South Australian Department for Environment and Water, Steve Masters