Australia: 3D mapping touted as flood control

"Using 3D analysis tools, users can create sophisticated scenario models that take terrain, elevation and 3D features such as buildings into account. By adding further data, such as historical information about flood events and weather patterns, we can determine where areas are capable of flooding and develop in line with that knowledge. At the end of the day, this technology gives city planners a new set of tools - so that if disaster strikes again, our cities can be more sustainable and built in a way that mitigates the risk," said 3D GIS expert Len Olyott when talking to The Chronicle.

Mr Olyott was talking in Toowoomba, Australia, following the unveiling of a 3D mapping technology that was designed to protect Darling Downs from future floods.