At the recent Australia Wind Energy Conference 2024, Jess Harvey and Ruth Peters-Grundy from HiDef Aerial Surveying delivered an insightful keynote presentation titled “Making Informed Decisions – Key Ecological Evidence Needs for Reducing Consenting Risk.” Drawing on their extensive experience in the UK, they explored critical aspects of ecological evidence that can mitigate consenting risks in environmental assessments.
The presentation emphasised the importance of comprehensive baseline data to inform evidence-based decision-making and reduce consenting risk for offshore wind farm projects. In Europe, digital aerial surveys are standard practice for collecting data on marine mammals and seabirds as part of offshore wind baseline studies. HiDef is the leading provider of digital aerial surveys in the UK and Europe, conducting over 500 flights in 2023 alone.
HiDef’s digital video aerial surveys offer continuous footage across the survey area, providing data on species presence, abundance, and distribution. These data are vital to feed into environmental impact assessment processes.
We are also able to estimate seabird flight height for collision risk modelling using our innovative in-house photogrammetry techniques, which determine flight height from our existing footage making this a cost-effective option for our clients. Additionally, we can deliver LiDAR solutions upon client request.
Maria Gaedeke and Dilwyn Jones also attended the conference, contributing to discussions on innovation and best practices for environmental baseline data collection.
Stay tuned for more updates from HiDef Aerial Surveying as we continue to share our expertise and experience in Australia.
