Maptek was approached because our 3D technology, designed primarily for mining, is able to quickly cover large geographical areas. Maptek technical services laser scanning experts, Chris Little and Kono Rodriguez were supported by staff from Adelaide and Sydney offices.

Laser scan data will be used to create 3D models to preserve the sites for posterity. The ultimate goal is to cover five sites in Scotland and five in other parts of the world. The Sydney Opera House is one of the world heritage sites being scanned for the Scottish Ten project. The Scottish Ten team worked closely with the Sydney Opera House Trust to facilitate the 3D scanning project. The Scottish Ten is a project which brings together Historic Scotland, Scotland’s Government heritage organisation, 3D scanning experts from the Digital Design Studio at Glasgow School of Art, and California-based digital heritage organisation CyArk. The dramatic setting of the Opera House is complemented by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay which are all iconic images of Sydney, and Australia. The Maptek 8810 and Maptek 8800 ultra long-range scanners captured the Opera House from all sides, including critical surroundings such as the plinth that the Opera House sits on and the main structure itself.

Sydney opera house coordinates