360° Surveying became involved in the Clipper Ship City of Adelaide (CSCOAL) Restoration Project during the initial COVID-19 shutdown as a volunteer initiative. The City of Adelaide was built in 1864 to carry passengers from England to Adelaide with an estimated 250,000 Australian being able to trace their ancestry back to the voyages. The ship currently sits on a barge at Dock 2 in Port Adelaide where it will become the centrepiece of the maritime village.

Our team approached CSCOAL to develop a mutually beneficial relationship resulting in a 3D model of the ship, as well as staff training and development during COVID-19 down-time. The 4 weeks of laser scanning produced over 1 billion points in our data set that included the external surface, internal main deck and hold, as well as the seaman's quarters and first-class deck. The project presented unique challenges including the tidal movement of the barge, the unstable floors, and scaffolding decks surrounding the ship.

Our team produced 3D sections from the point-cloud which has allowed the restoration team to construct a replica cabin on the first-class deck complete with floor-to-ceiling walls fitting to the unique curves of the ship. We have additionally provided a contour survey for the planning stage to move the ship from the barge to its final position on land.

For more information about this unique piece of history, please visit cityofadelaide.org.au.