Geodata has become indispensable in many areas of our society - including skiing. From precise snow depth measurement to tourism opportunities and digitalized slope rescue, terrain data forms an objective basis for strategic decisions and long-term success.
What cartographers previously had to laboriously draw on paper by hand is now created in unprecedented quality using drone images or satellite images. Geodata is out many areas of our daily life no longer imaginable without it. From the navigation system in the car to digital maps such as Google Maps to professional surveying systems for construction projects or the property cadastre, they have become indispensable.
Terrain data is also playing an increasingly important role for ski areas. Whether in high-precision snow depth measurement, in fleet management, as a control instrument or for tourism valorization in winter and summer - geodata has a useful and cost-reducing application in almost every area of ski operations. What exactly geodata is and how ski resorts can be combined with a modern one Slope management You can read about it here:
What is geodata?
Digital data that is assigned an exact spatial location on the earth's surface is called geodata. Basically, these are digitized maps. However, with the advantage of being able to reproduce this as a 3D model and expand it to include any number of objects such as measuring points or lift infrastructure.
This digital image of the terrain offers an optimal overview of the topological properties of the recorded region and, among other things, forms the basis for precise snow depth measurement.
However, this can be done Terrain model also integrate many other measurement data from other measurement systems. All important information about the area shown can be seen at a glance.
How is geodata collected?
Basically, geodata is collected using aerial photographs. These can be satellite images, but today drones with special measuring cameras are mostly used for this purpose. These are particularly efficient because since they are not statically suspended in the air, they provide not only the geometry (area) of the terrain but also its topography (profile) - this is the basis for later 3D visualization.
The drone takes an enormous amount of images in a relatively short period of time during the flight. These are then put together to form a model. This allows the exact three-dimensional structure of the terrain to be recorded and mapped.
The entire model can be precisely localized geographically using reference points whose exact coordinates are known. This creates a digital twin of the terrain on which all objects and measuring points that are important for skiing can be noted.
How is geodata prepared?
Using photogrammetry, it is possible to combine thousands of individual photos into a 3D model. In this way, the recorded region can be viewed as a whole or individual sections of it. Of course, 2D maps can also be created from this, which can be relevant, for example, with regard to planned construction projects.
The terrain model can be supplemented with many other data sets, for example measurement data from individual snow points, operational data from the piste fleet or even current weather data from GeoSphere Austria. This means measurement results can be assigned locally and you know at a glance exactly where, when and what is happening in the ski area.
What is geodata used for?
Geodata forms the basis for precise snow depth measurement. To do this, a terrain model must be created during the snow-free period in order to know the profile of the slope surface down to the centimeter. On this basis, the snow depth measurement takes measurements again at regular intervals in winter.
If you subtract the pure terrain height from the measured snow surface in winter, the difference results in the actual snow depth. In order for the snow depth measurement to work precisely and reliably, the terrain model should be updated after every change (landslides, mudslides, structural corrections).
In addition to measuring snow depth, a terrain model also serves as a control instrument. By precisely mapping all data relevant to ski operations, it is an ideal user interface with the best possible overview of all areas and all relevant operating data.
How can geodata be made valuable?
The most productive use of geodata is achieved through snow depth measurementThrough regular measurements, the exact snow cover is known at any time and snow reserves and deficits can be quickly and effectively identified and compensated.
This avoids the unnecessary production of technical snow and can reduce water and electricity consumption - and thus variable costs - by up to 20%. For large ski areas we are talking about five to six-figure amounts per season. In the long term, snowmaking is optimized, ski areas become more sustainable and cost-efficient and a late start to the season or an early end to the season due to unfavorable weather conditions can be avoided.
Further appreciation in winter
In addition, the geodata-based and centimeter-accurate snow depth measurement can be used as a preparation aid when building fun parks. Attractive fun parks appeal to a specific customer segment, which increases the number of visitors to the ski area.
Terrain data also plays a role in Slope rescue a role that should not be underestimated. Modern applications for piste rescuers can quickly find ideal access and exit routes. In addition, accident sites and the rescue measures taken are precisely located and documented. This not only saves time where there is no time to waste, but also legally protects the piste rescuers and leads to a better billing rate for operations.
Geodata can also be used to optimize fleet management used. This means that the number of revolutions or fuel consumption can be assigned to a specific section of the piste. If this is known, the use of older piste groomers on particularly demanding sections can be avoided. The vehicles are subjected to less strain, material wear is reduced and fuel consumption is optimized.
Valuation in summer
Even in summer, a terrain model offers many monetization options. Hiking paths or bike trails can easily be designed and developed for summer use. At the same time, it is possible to use the terrain model to create maps or graphics for tourist promotion of the routes.
Geodata is also of great advantage for planning and renovation processes in ski areas. Maps read from the model can be easily and quickly passed on to project partners or planning offices. Planning is accelerated and costs are reduced.
So-called “snow eaters” are also identified by measuring the snow depth. These are hollows and depressions in the terrain that have to be leveled out with – often technical – snow in winter. If you know their exact position, uneven areas can be leveled in summer with inexpensive soil.
The same principle also applies to localized accident hotspots. Dangerous sections in the ski area are recognized as such and targeted mitigation measures can be taken. This leads to more safety on the slopes and ultimately to higher customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.
You can find further ways to optimize slopes in summer here.
Geodata as the basis of modern slope management
The points described above make it clear how important geodata is for modern slope management. From precise snow depths for each individual piste section to its use as a management and controlling instrument through to tourism valorization and the optimization of construction and planning processes, terrain data brings with it a variety of advantages.
It is important to always maintain the database well and keep it up to date. This allows decision makers in the ski area to react quickly to problems while at the same time making long-term, strategic decisions based on objective and locally identifiable data.
