Get outdoors safely: with maps

Through visits to Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Remutaka Forest Park, learners meet outdoor safety experts, mapping specialists, rescue coordinators, police search-and-rescue teams, and search dogs.

The key message throughout the videos is:
Plan your trip, know where you are, understand how maps work, and use technology wisely to stay safe outdoors.

Introduction

Video series

Where can we get out and about?

Featured expert: Bevan (Mountain Safety Council)

Main themes

• Choosing suitable outdoor destinations.
• Using maps and online tools to find tracks and trails.
• Matching trips to your experience and fitness level.
• Understanding track difficulty and conditions before you leave.

Key takeaways

• Not all outdoor adventures require remote wilderness experiences.
• Good planning starts with selecting an appropriate location.
• Maps help identify routes, distances, terrain, and access points.
• Outdoor activities should be matched to skill, experience, and weather conditions.

Prepare to get outdoors

Location: Department of Conservation Visitor Centre

Main themes

• Trip preparation and risk management.
• Weather forecasting and track information.
• Essential outdoor equipment.

Key takeaways

• Check weather forecasts before leaving.
• Understand track conditions and hazards.
• Carry appropriate clothing and equipment.
• Let someone know your plans before heading out.

Safety message

Preparation is one of the most important factors in preventing outdoor emergencies.

What makes a good recreational map?

Featured expert: Karl (Toitū Te Whenua LINZ)

Main themes

• Understanding recreational maps.
• Reading map features.

Key takeaways

A good map provides:

• Scale
• Legend/symbols
• Grid references
• Land features
• Navigation information

Maps help users:

• Plan routes.
• Estimate travel times.
• Identify hazards.
• Navigate confidently.

Out and about with map skills

Main themes

• Orienting maps correctly.
• Using maps in real outdoor situations.

Key takeaways

• A map is only useful if you can align it with the landscape.
• There are various techniques for orienting a map.
• Understanding your surroundings improves location awareness.

Practical learning

Participants learn how to:

• Identify landmarks.
• Match terrain to a map.
• Determine their position.

Rescue Coordination Centre videos

Welcome to the Operations Room

Location: Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ)

Main themes

• National search and rescue coordination.

Key takeaways

• RCCNZ coordinates major search and rescue incidents.
• Mapping systems are central to emergency response.
• Rescue teams rely heavily on accurate location information.

Why maps matter

The faster rescuers can identify a person's location, the more effective the rescue effort becomes.

Coordinating rescues in the outdoors

Featured expert: Sam (Search and Rescue Officer)

Main themes

• What happens when something goes wrong outdoors.
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) and distress signals.

Key takeaways

• Distress beacons provide accurate location information.
• Search and rescue teams use mapping technologies to plan responses.
• Outdoor emergencies can happen even to experienced people.

Safety message

Always carry appropriate communication and emergency devices when travelling in remote areas.

GPS explained

Featured expert: Karl (LINZ)

Main themes

• How GPS works.
• Satellites and positioning.

Key takeaways

• GPS uses signals from multiple satellites.
• Devices calculate location using timing information from satellites.

GPS is used in: 

• Smartphones
• Watches
• Vehicles
• Search and rescue operations

Important limitation

GPS can be less reliable:

• Near tall buildings.
• Under dense forest cover.
• When satellite visibility is restricted.

Search and Rescue Videos

Search and rescue

Location: Lower Hutt Police Station

Main themes

• Police search and rescue operations.
• Planning and managing searches.

Key takeaways

• Search and rescue teams use maps extensively.
• Search areas are carefully analysed and divided.
• Technology and local knowledge work together during operations.

Mapping applications

Teams use:

• Topographic maps.
• GPS data.
• Aerial imagery.
• GIS systems.

Quita the search and rescue dog

Featured people: Police officer Rob and search dog Quita

Main themes

• Search dog training.
• Technology used alongside search dogs.

Key takeaways

• Search dogs can quickly locate missing people.
• Dogs are trained to work in bush, wilderness, and difficult terrain.
• GPS tracking helps handlers monitor dog movements during a search.

Interesting insight

Modern search operations combine traditional dog tracking skills with advanced mapping and GPS technology.

Search and rescue in action

Location: Catchpool Valley, Remutaka Forest Park

Main themes

• Real-world search exercise.
• Coordinating search teams.

Key takeaways

• Searches require careful planning.

Teams rely on: 

• Maps
• GPS
• Communication systems
• Terrain analysis

Learning focus

Students observe how rescuers:

• Define search areas.
• Track progress.
• Share location information.
• Coordinate resources efficiently.

Stay safe out there

Location: Ōrongorongo Track

Featured experts: Luke and Karl

Main themes

• What to do if you become lost.
• Outdoor safety advice.

Key takeaways

If you become lost:

• Stop and think.
• Stay calm.
• Avoid making your situation worse.
• Use navigation tools.
• Make yourself easier to find.

Core outdoor safety messages

• Plan thoroughly.
• Tell someone your intentions.
• Check the weather.
• Know your limits.
• Carry appropriate gear.

Core messages across the entire video series

1. Maps save lives
   Understanding maps helps people plan safer trips and helps rescuers find them quickly if something goes wrong.
2. GPS is useful but not perfect
   GPS is a valuable tool, but users should still understand basic navigation and map-reading skills.
3. Preparation prevents emergencies
   Most outdoor incidents can be reduced through:
   • Good planning.
   • Appropriate gear.
   • Weather checks.
   • Communication of intentions.
4. Search and rescue relies on location information
   The accuracy of maps, GPS, GIS, and emergency beacons directly impacts rescue effectiveness.
5. Technology and traditional skills work together
   Modern outdoor safety combines:
   • Paper maps.
   • Compasses.
   • GPS.
   • GIS.
   • Satellite communications.
   • Search dogs.
   • Human expertise.

Overall LINZ connection

The LINZ contribution focuses on helping people understand:

• Why location information matters.
• How maps are created and used.
• The role of GPS and GIS in modern navigation.
• How geospatial data supports emergency services, outdoor recreation, and search-and-rescue operations throughout New Zealand.

Additional resource links

Outdoor exploration and safety

• Prepare for your next outdoor adventure with resources from the Mountain Safety Council
  New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
• Watch the NZ Hiking and Tramping video series featuring 3D visualisations using LINZ topographic map data
  NZ Hiking + Tramping Video Series

Maps, navigation and outdoor mapping

• Learn how to read New Zealand topographic maps with the Topo50 Map Guide: 
  Topo50 Map Guide
• Explore New Zealand using TopoMap:
  TopoMap New Zealand
• Download offline maps for your phone using the NZ Topo Maps app: 
  NZ Topo Maps App (available separately for the North and South Islands).
• Access the datasets used to create New Zealand's printed topographic maps through LINZ Data Service: 
  LINZ Data Service

Māori maps and place names

• Discover traditional Māori place names and cultural history through Kahurangiariki: 
  Kahurumanu

GIS and geospatial learning

• Learn the basics of geographic information systems (GIS) with Esri: 
  What is GIS?
• Read articles and visual stories about maps and cartography: 
  The Unfolding Map
• Explore mapping and spatial analysis using ArcGIS Online: 
  ArcGIS Map Viewer

Teaching and classroom resources

• Browse GIS learning resources for schools: 
  GIS in Schools NZ Resources
• Learn how GIS can support geography education: 
  GIS and Geography Education
• Explore natural hazard education resources: 
  Natural Hazards Education
• Complete the Esri training course Teaching with GIS: 
  Teaching with GIS Course
• Explore geospatial resources for schools from LINZ: 
  Geospatial for Schools

Earth science, surveying and positioning

• Watch an introduction to GPS and surveying concepts: 
  GPS and Surveying Video
• See how GPS positioning works with this animated diagram: 
  GPS Constellation Animation

LINZ data and mapping tools

• Create your own maps using the LINZ Data Service: 
  LINZ Data Service
• Learn more about New Zealand's official mapping, land information and geographic data: 
  Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)

GIS Day and geospatial awareness

• Learn about the annual global celebration of GIS through GIS Day: 
  GIS Day

Careers in geospatial and surveying

• Explore careers in surveying and spatial professions through Survey and Spatial New Zealand: 
  Survey and Spatial New Zealand
• Search for geospatial career pathways on Tahatū Career Navigator: 
  Tahatū Career Navigator