Whangaparāoa O Mahurangi-Penlink Transport Link Condition Surveys

Babbage Consultants was engaged by the Fulton Hogan and HEB Joint Venture to undertake pre-construction condition surveys for over 120 residential and commercial buildings along the proposed O Mahurangi – Penlink transport link. These surveys were critical in providing a baseline for comparison against potential construction-related damage caused by vibration.

Traditionally, condition surveys rely on precise levelling and tape measurements; however, Babbage implemented an innovative workflow using Leica RTC360 laser scanning in combination with Leica Lino laser level measurements. This approach allowed us to capture highly detailed survey-accurate floor plans, point cloud data of building interiors, and 360 HDR photo records of existing building conditions—delivering results faster and at a lower cost than conventional methods.

Navigating access to a large number of private properties required exceptional stakeholder engagement. We assigned a dedicated liaison to manage occupant communications, schedule surveys, and secure approvals. This proactive approach ensured smooth execution while maintaining strong relationships between residents, our client, and Waka Kotahi.

A rigorous quality assurance process cross-checked data from different equipment, ensuring floor level measurement accuracy within ±3-5mm, depending on floor coverings. Our innovative methodology was recognised by Global Survey, Leica’s New Zealand distributor, who invited us to feature in a marketing video showcasing our advanced use of their equipment.

By leveraging cutting-edge reality capture technology and the 12D Synergy Common Data Environment (CDE) for efficient data management, Babbage successfully streamlined data collection, ensured high accuracy, and significantly reduced project costs. The project exemplifies our ability to combine innovation, precision, and stakeholder collaboration in large-scale infrastructure projects.