In an era of climate change, effective asset management is crucial for resilient stormwater systems. The City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) Council is undertaking a transformative project aimed at revolutionizing the assessment of its open drain network. By partnering with Morphum Environmental and Water Insites, CoGG is employing new technologies to streamline a traditionally labour-intensive process.
This project utilised existing LiDAR information to digitise overland flow paths and trace existing drainage networks, as well as automating the generation of cross-sections for each open drain segment . This was combined with a robust multi-criteria analysis, to identify and rank potential open drains not previously listed on the asset management system. The innovative use of FME automation and geoprocessing tools drastically reduced both time and costs associated with manual assessments. Enhancement of the condition inspection process was achieved through the use of UAVs, combining high-resolution and near-infrared imaging to systematically evaluate asset condition for more than 150kms of open drains. The use of UAVs provided an inspection method that was systematic, fast, safe and cost-effective. The outcomes of this comprehensive assessment will empower CoGG to make informed decisions on maintenance and renewal, ensuring sustainable stormwater management practices. By maximizing the potential of open drains—critical for flow conveyance whilst providing stormwater treatment—this project not only aims to enhance infrastructure resilience but also supports the Council’s broader environmental goals.
Join us as we explore this exciting journey towards smarter stormwater solutions!