Southland has secured a portion of $14 million in Government funding to get a 3D model of the region's surface.

Environment Southland says the benefits of investment in light detection and ranging modelling, known as LiDAR, for Southland will be substantial as the province plans for the future.

LiDAR refers to an airborne remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser to measure variable distances to the earth, generating a precise, three-dimensional layer of the earth’s surface and features. 

Benefits for councils include having better access to information that will improve modelling for things like stop bank capacity, coastal erosion, tsunami evacuation zones and landslide hazards.

For territorial authorities, the information will assist with planning for new infrastructure like roads as well as maintenance and renewal programmes for existing infrastructure such as water pipes and bridges.

Environment Southland director of policy, planning and regulatory services Vin Smith said as well as having its uses for the local councils, the data collected during the LiDAR project would be very helpful for individuals and businesses making decisions about residential and commercial development, renewable energy generation and managing things like on-farm nutrients and precision forestry spraying.

“We know that the LiDAR project will provide excellent data that can be used in a multitude of ways. This project is an exciting step for Southland and another opportunity for our councils to work together to benefit our region.”

The funding is dependent on Environment Southland, Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council and Southland District Council contributing the remaining local share, although details of the costs cannot be released until a national tender process is complete.