How High am I? The history of the Australian Height Datum

Understanding your elevation is integral to many decision-making processes; from determining a safe development threshold to avoid flood risk, for monitoring sea-levels, through to making sure sewers flow downhill as designed. But have you ever wondered how a vertical datum is defined and how you then establish this for a country that is also a continent? This talk will explore the history of the Australian Height Datum, the huge task of realising the concept, and how it has been modernised more recently to remain fit for purpose in a modern world where understanding your 3D position is becoming more important than ever.

More details to follow closer to the lecture

Graham Walker is a Senior Lecturer in Surveying at Flinders University. Graham completed a BEng in Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds before completing a MSc in Geodetic Surveying at the University of Nottingham. After spending 18+ years as a surveyor working across the UK and Australia, Graham began lecturing in early 2020. Graham is a Registered Surveyor (SA) and currently the Chair of South Australia for the Geospatial Council of Australia. Having spent his career advocating for and promoting the geospatial industry, Graham is excited to now be supporting the next generation of professionals and future leaders on their geospatial journeys.