Digital Aerial Photograph Interpretation System Boosts Slope Safety and Urban Planning

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has launched the Digital Aerial Photograph Interpretation System (DAPIS), digitalising historical paper aerial photos into 3D models. This advancement modernises slope safety management, land planning, and disaster resilience, furthering Hong Kong’s smart and sustainable development agenda. It underscores Hong Kong’s commitment to harnessing technology for community safety, optimising land use, and driving sustainable growth.

DAPIS replaces outdated paper-based workflows by centralising aerial photo imageries into an instantly accessible digital platform. Government departments and consultants can now remotely search, view and analyse high-resolution 3D data, eliminating delays from physical photo lending. The system’s advanced tools empower professionals to map and visualize 3D terrains, thereby supporting landslide studies, excavation volume calculations, and infrastructure planning, all of which enhance the effectiveness of slope safety management and drives the continuous development of Hong Kong as a smart city.

By facilitating real-time collaboration and on-demand access, DAPIS slashes project timelines and operational costs. Environmentally, it minimises reliance on paper archives, aligning with Hong Kong’s sustainability goals and promoting eco-friendly governance.

For more details, please click here to view the relevant media briefing.

[Acknowledgement to the CEDD and Lands Department for providing material and the photo for the story respectively.]