Winner ~ NSW Excellence in Surveying & Mapping Awards 2003

 RDM were commissioned to carry out the survey of the Arrawarra Fishtraps, a culturally significant stone arrangement into which fish were herded and then stranded by the receding tide. Prior to the survey the only known scientific recording of the site was by archaeologist, Valerie Collins in the early 1970’s.

 The challenge for RDM was to record accurately the site to provide a meaningful tool for its ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Following an inspection of the site it was obvious that aerial photography was the most appropriate means to capture the site. However, conventional aerial photography was not suitable due to the relatively small size and detail of the site. RDM arranged for the photography to be taken from a helicopter using a calibrated hand held camera with the resulting photographs being ortho-rectified to remove any distortions. The resulting orthophoto map was applauded by both the NPWS and local aboriginal community as being a most useful and accurate record of the site which will assist in its future preservation and management.