Authoritative Land Information: Land & Seabed Information Management Improvement

What will we do & why is this important?

A greater range of users are demanding better access to the geospatial data that underpins our products and services. At present it is not always easy for end users to discover or access the underlying data. We will work on our processes, resources and systems associated with the collection, regulation, maintenance and provision of authoritative land and seabed information to enable and encourage greater access to our data.

This work will commence with enabling easier access to LINZ's core datasets. It will involve changes to how data is packaged and distributed, particularly through the application of open access and interchange standards. The work will be closely aligned with the initiative to lead the development of a national geospatial data infrastructure (see page 19) – as LINZ's information will be an important initial input into the wider system.

What impact will these initiatives have?

Developing our knowledge through better connections with customers will mean those who undertake activities within the primary area of impact will have access to land and seabed information that more closely fits their purpose, subject to resourcing. LINZ will also utilise the knowledge gathered to identify a broad range of common needs that could be met, recognising that not every individual need will be able to be met.

A secondary area of impact will be better knowledge of the fitness for purpose of the data being used in different ways. This will help users to understand and apply information within its intended purpose and with appropriate degrees of certainty.

Better access will enable the rich data that we hold to be used by more New Zealanders, for more purposes. For example, outside of government, a growing cluster of land information businesses and organisations seek to add value to, and exploit competitive advantage from, publicly available land and geographic datasets.

An additional impact can be created through the knowledge that LINZ will develop in undertaking this work. By identifying and implementing the technology standards, systems and protocols necessary to harmonise geospatial databases, and ensure their accessibility through channels like the Internet, LINZ will develop important knowledge that can be shared with customers, industry and other agencies. This will reinforce LINZ’s leadership in the sector and links strongly with our Federated geospatial information outcome area.