Programme benefits

3D coastal mapping helps the economy by giving better information for planning and decision-making. It supports smarter infrastructure development, helps prepare for natural disasters, and improves safety at sea. These benefits lead to saving money, lowering risks, and boosting economic activity in coastal areas.

Infrastructure like roads, railways, airports, hospitals, ports, and insurance is at risk from things like sea-level rise, storms, erosion, and flooding. This includes homes, public spaces, water and energy systems, transport, communication networks, waste services, and coastal protection structures.

Natural hazard risk modelling is about figuring out how events like earthquakes, floods, or tsunamis could affect people, property, and the environment. It looks at how likely these events are, how strong they might be, and what’s in harm’s way. This helps communities and organisations plan ahead, reduce risks, and respond better when disasters happen.

In 2022 the Government implemented its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) which seeks to put in place measures for New Zealand to adapt to the impacts of climate change and address the risks identified in the National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA).

To manage and restore coastal areas effectively over the long term, we need a clear picture of what the coastline looks like, what habitats exist there, and how they respond to natural changes and hazards.

3DCM data will be used to update nautical charts for maritime safety, a core part of LINZ’s obligations under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).