Environmental Applications of Spatial Technologies: A Joint HEI–SSSI Webinar

In collaboration with the Surveying & Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI), this HEI webinar showcased the use of emerging spatial technologies in environmental science and natural resource management. The session featured three expert speakers exploring how spatial tools such as drones, remote sensing, and GIS are shaping post-bushfire recovery, water catchment monitoring, and agricultural land management. Presentations covered topics including the use of drones and thermal cameras for wildlife detection and coastal monitoring, the role of spatial data in water infrastructure and bushfire response, and advanced modelling techniques for soil moisture, vegetation, and water resource management in catchments.

Guest Speakers 

Amy Steiger – Environmental Scientist, Cardno 

Amy presented on the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and thermal imaging for detecting wildlife after bushfires and monitoring geotechnical hazards along NSW’s coastal cliffs. Her work demonstrates how photogrammetry and drone data can support both conservation and coastal management applications. 

Charity Mundava – Remote Sensing Specialist, WaterNSW

Charity discussed how GIS and satellite-based remote sensing support water catchment management and infrastructure planning. She highlighted applications during the 2019–2020 bushfires, including coordinating water availability for firefighting aircraft in drought-affected regions. 

Associate Professor In-Young Yeo – University of Newcastle 

A/Prof Yeo explored how multi-source remote sensing data and GIS tools are used to assess soil moisture, vegetation dynamics, and water balance in agricultural catchments. Her presentation drew on Australian and U.S. case studies to demonstrate the benefits of conservation practices supported by spatial analysis.