Terrain mapping
The general unsuitability of existing terrain information, both in terms of its resolution and coverage, represents a significant impediment to meaningful assessments of the vulnerability of natural and built environments (existing and planned) along the entire NSW coast.
For much of the NSW coast the best generally available terrain information is based on the 1:25,000 scale (4cm to a kilometre) topographic map series produced prior to the late 1980’s. Importantly, for predicting the abovementioned impacts of climate change, the maps define the 10m contour as their lowest elevation information inland from the shoreline. While it is noted that terrain information is available at larger scales (1:2,000 and 1:4,000) and finer elevation resolution (2m contour intervals), these data are for small sections of the NSW coast. A 2m contour interval remains an inadequate base for detailed coastal risk assessments.
The Department of Planning has completed a project to capture high resolution terrain information for the Coastal Zone, as defined in the Coastal Protection Act (1979) and including up to the tidal limit of coastal waterways, in support of integrated and adaptive coastal management. A copy of the report can be found on the Department of Planning website.