Project Developer VIC
Case Study - Drone Topographic Survey of Solar + BESS site in Regional Victoria
Enhar conducted a drone topographic survey across three land parcels in regional Victoria, each approximately 600 acres.
Key Achievements:
Key achievements included generating a seamless orthomosaic with 2cm/pixel resolution, identifying subtle undulations that could affect solar array efficiency, and producing topography reports that integrated GIS data for multi-layered analysis.
Highlights:
- Achieved 98% accuracy in elevation mapping.
- Mapped 1,800 acres in under 10 flight hours, reducing fieldwork time.
- Delivered contour details, revealing low-lying areas prone to water pooling.
- The survey generated high-resolution geospatial data, including orthomosaics, sparse Digital Surface Models (DSMs), initial image positions, and contour maps
Impact
This drone survey had a profound impact on the solar + BESS project development trajectory, enabling cost savings and environmental benefits.
By providing detailed topography data early, the project avoids redesigns that could have delayed approvals by months.
The insights supported optimized site layouts, reducing land disturbance and preserving biodiversity corridors.
Project Scope
The scope encompassed full-site aerial data capture, photogrammetry processing, and analytical reporting tailored to renewable energy needs. Enhar deployed DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise with RTK module for systematic grid flights at 80m altitude, ensuring overlap for accurate stitching.
Data Collection: Covered three 600-acre parcels with georeferenced imagery.Processing and Outputs: Created DEMs, contour maps and topography profiles showing undulations across the sites.Analysis: Assessed site constraints like slope stability, flood zones and infrastructure compatibility.Deliverables: Custom GIS files, PDF reports with visualizations, and 3D models exportable to CAD software.Project Details
The survey aimed to assess site suitability for a proposed 400 MW solar farm, focusing on terrain features that could impact panel placement, access roads, and flood risk management.
Site location was regional Victoria with parcels featuring mixed agricultural land transitioning to renewable use.
Survey outputs required were high-accuracy DEM, contour maps showing elevation, and 2D models highlighting undulations for optimal site layout.
Purpose was to de-risk land acquisition and accelerate planning for sustainable energy infrastructure.
Project Challenges
Conducting a large-scale survey in regional Victoria presented several hurdles, which Enhar addressed through expertise and adaptive strategies.
Weather Variability: Intermittent rain and wind in the area delayed flights; mitigated by flexible scheduling.
Large Area Coverage: Managing 1,800 acres required efficient battery management and data handling; resolved with automated flight planning software and launch of drone from suitable areas
Terrain Complexity: Undulations and vegetation obscured some areas; overcome by post-processing filters for accurate topography.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhered to CASA drone regulations and environmental guidelines; ensured through licensed pilots and minimal site disruption.
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