Wind farm simulations defended

Truescape Ltd computer simulation specialist Tony Coggan, of Christchurch, was made to defend his methods of collecting and presenting images, when appearing as a witness in an Environment Court hearing against Meridian Energy's proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm yesterday.

Mr Coggan was commissioned by Meridian to prepare photograph simulations showing the cumulative effects of Mahinerangi and Project Hayes wind farms from 12 viewpoints.

His methods and resulting representations of landscapes showing wind turbines were questioned by appellant parties during cross-examination.

Upland Landscape Protection Society counsel Ewan Carr, who also represented himself and appellant Gaelle dit-Piquard, said the simulations were arranged to make the turbines look smaller than they would be.

"The Trueview images seriously misrepresent the scale of the [wind farm]. I put it to you that the contrasts have been diminished in your photographs," he said.

Mr Coggan said his simulations showed the best possible representation of the wind farms, and that no two-dimensional image could be exactly as a human eye would see it.

"We would be bumped out of this business pretty quickly if we were seen to be doctoring photographs. We use the best cameras you can buy and they produce the best results," Mr Coggan said.

Judge Jon Jackson said Mr Carr might misunderstand the simulations: "I don't think you are being fair to the witness."