PR96425 

NUKU'ALOFA, Kingdom of Tonga, June 9, 2022 /PRNewswire＝KYODO JBN/ -

-- This project for the Pacific Community incorporates the acquisition and

processing of newly acquired data and imagery to assist in improving navigation

safety, disaster resilience and support for the recent volcanic eruption.

The Pacific Community (SPC(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3562043-1&h=749973516&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spc.int%2F&a=SPC

)) has contracted with Woolpert(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3562043-1&h=2259009337&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwoolpert.com%2F&a=Woolpert

) to acquire topographic and bathymetric lidar data and aerial imagery that can

be used to develop digital elevation models for the Kingdom of Tonga. The

information and derived products will support nautical charting for navigation

safety, infrastructure planning and rehabilitation, and disaster resilience and

recovery.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/463993/Woolpert_Logo.jpg

This project complements and expands on similar geospatial data acquisitions

Woolpert has performed throughout the Pacific, including projects currently

underway in Vanuatu(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3562043-1&h=2178190409&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwoolpert.com%2Fnews%2Fpress-releases%2Fwoolpert-selected-by-pacific-community-spc-for-topo-bathy-lidar-aerial-imagery-in-vanuatu%2F&a=Vanuatu

). The lidar data will support various sector agencies including the Ministry

of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate

Change and Communications (MEIDECC); Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural

Resources; Ministry of Infrastructure; and Tonga Ports Authority.

This project is part of SPC's Pacific Resilience Program, funded by the World

Bank, which is working to strengthen early warning systems and enhance natural

disaster and climate change resilience across Pacific Island countries prone to

natural disasters. In January 2022, Tonga was the site of the world's most

powerful volcanic eruption in 30 years when Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai erupted,

generating tsunamis across the Pacific.

Woolpert is employing data, imagery and resources from multiple partners to

optimize the utilization and application of this collection. Satellite imagery

collected by Planet(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3562043-1&h=882819502&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planet.com%2F&a=Planet

) following the eruption is helping determine whether water clarity is suitable

for bathymetric lidar acquisition. The lidar data and imagery is being acquired

with survey aircraft provided by Kiwi Air(

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3562043-1&h=785424821&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiwiairltd.co.nz%2F&a=Kiwi+Air

), an aviation firm based in New Zealand.

About Woolpert

Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and

strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in

the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public,

private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global

Design Firm, has earned six straight Great Place to Work certifications and

actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect.

Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has 1,900 employees and more than 60

offices on four continents. For more, visit www.woolpert.com.

Media contact: Woolpert PR Manager Jill Kelley; +1 937-531-1258,

jill.kelley@woolpert.com

SOURCE: Woolpert