Key issues

Considering our customers' feedback, our responsibilities, and own view of the environment ahead, we have identified the following as the key issues we need to address in our strategic aims for topographic information.

Comprehensive adoption of one spatial reference system

The geodetic reference system provides the underlying spatial framework for New Zealand. Currently, two are used for topographic mapping in New Zealand:

• NZGD49
• NZGD2000

There is a 200 metre difference between the two: a difference that is insignificant in some applications, but potentially life-endangering in others.

Wider adoption of the new reference system NZGD2000 is constrained by the lack of a NZTM-based map series and continued production of the NZMG projection-based NZMS260 series.

Further, some primary customers currently incur increased costs, because they require LINZ electronic data supplied as NZGD2000 to be converted back to NZGD49/NZMG in order to mitigate risk and meet the needs of existing systems.

Bridging a gap between customer needs and LINZ delivery

Primary customers' uses of topographic information change rapidly in today's technology environment. LINZ services and delivery must keep pace with changing customer requirements. Concurrently, customer expectations of currency, accuracy and detail of topographic information have increased. LINZ must understand these expectations, and agree, set and meet appropriate quality standards.

Providing the right product, service, and delivery channel mix; supporting interoperability

LINZ recognises the difficulty that our primary and other customers face in identifying their future needs for topographic information, given the rapid advance of technology while standards are still maturing. In turn, LINZ must be prepared to meet customer needs as they evolve, especially in the critical areas of electronic delivery and interoperability.

The advancement of technology and evolving standards provides new opportunities for both LINZ and its customers in processing and utilising topographic data.

Small scale mapping of New Zealand can be obtained from alternative data sources or providers other than LINZ.