Controlling high hazard slope stability working environments by using digital tools

Following the severe earthquake in Christchurch between 2010 and 2011 central government agencies working on earthquake recovery commissioned work to reduce the impact from rockfall and slippage from an 80m high near vertical cliff face onto a lifeline road. This paper is a case study and describes the journey developing a suite of digital tools for smarter and more efficient management of sites where geotechnical hazards require control to ensure safety for those affected by site activities. Drones were used for airborne image collection that was processed into point clouds. The point cloud data was used for visualisation and data change management, including volumetric earthworks control. Visualisation used augmented, mixed and virtual reality environments to engage with stakeholders and member of the public. The above process was then used following the Kaikoura Earthquake in 2016 to assess landslide dams blocking rivers and inform Civil Defence management.