Geoscape Data Cuts Costs for GHD’s Noise Modelling

GHD, a global leader in engineering and environmental services, used Geoscape data to significantly reduce the cost of noise modelling for the Port Kembla Gas Terminal project in New South Wales.

The challenge faced by GHD was daunting: manually mapping over 7,000 buildings for their noise impact studies. Previously, this process involved creating individual building footprints or sourcing data externally, which was both time-consuming and often unsatisfactory.

Pri Pandey, a senior engineer at GHD specialising in acoustics and vibration modelling, noted the previous struggles with manual adjustments and data quality. With Geoscape solutions, these issues were resolved with ready-to-use datasets that included building heights, addresses, and zoning details. All of which were directly usable in GHD’s models.

The quality and completeness of the Geoscape data significantly boosted confidence in the modelling outcomes, leading to a 50% reduction in costs for the noise model of the Port Kembla project. This cost efficiency not only benefited GHD but also their client, Australian Industrial Energy (AIE), who praised the use of advanced technology in assessing the noise impact of their new floating storage and regasification unit—the first of its kind in Australia.

Looking ahead, GHD plans to integrate Geoscape data into future projects, especially in dense urban areas where the scale of manual data handling can be overwhelming. Pandey’s experience underscores the transformative impact of Geoscape solutions, providing sharp, accurate building data essential for precise noise modelling.