Vertical Datums

This section describes the vertical datums used in New Zealand and the process of converting heights between them.

In New Zealand there are three main types of vertical datum that are used. Each datum uses different types of heights. The types of heights can be broadly divided into those which relate to the Earth's gravity field (eg, those which approximate the mean sea level surface) and those that do not.

New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 (NZVD2009)

The New Zealand Vertical Datum 2009 is the official vertical datum for New Zealand. more...

New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 ellipsoidal heights

The official New Zealand Geodetic Datum NZGD2000 provides ellipsoidal heights. more...

Mean sea level datums (normal-orthometric heights)

Heights in terms of mean sea level (MSL) are provided in terms of 13 local datums using the normal-orthometric height system. more...

New Zealand Quasigeoid 2009 (NZGeoid09)

NZGeoid09 is the official gravimetric quasigeoid reference surface for NZVD2009. It can be used to convert heights between NZGD2000 and the MSL datums. more…

New Zealand Quasigeoid 2005 (NZGeoid05)

NZGeoid05 was the official gravimetric quasigeoid for New Zealand. It has been replaced by NZGeoid09. more...

Earth Gravity Model 1996 (EGM96)

EGM96 is the de facto global geoid model that is used in many GPS receivers to relate heights to local sea level. more...

Tidal level information for surveyors

Here surveyors and engineers can find out how Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) boundaries can be determined and a table of average predicted values of tidal levels at Standard Ports around New Zealand for sea level determination. more...