Topo50 Map Series Nearing Release

26 August 2009

On 23 September, LINZ will launch a new Topo50 map series for New Zealand.

The Topo50 Map Series project will produce a new 1:50,000 scale map series to replace the current NZMS260 map series. The geographic features portrayed on the Topo50 Map Series will not change. However the coordinates of those features will change.

The Topo50 series will use a different survey datum and projection and be compatible with international mapping systems and navigational technology such as GPS.

New Zealand’s emergency services will switch base mapping and 111 systems to NZTM2000 and use Topo50 maps in late September also. It is recommended that people using maps also switch to a Topo50 map at this time.

From 23 September, LINZ will be undertaking awareness-raising activities to increase knowledge of the maps and where to get them.

For more information see the Topo50 project pages.

Media enquiries: Brad Young, Land Information New Zealand, phone +64 4 460 0147, email media@linz.govt.nz