Land, sky and space

About this virtual field trip

In this virtual field trip you'll travel from Christchurch to Invercargill and Dunedin to:

• see how location information is used in aviation, surveying, environmental management and autonomous transport
• meet people working in New Zealand's growing geospatial sector
• discover many career opportunities available in geospatial.

Watch the videos

Introduction - accurate satellite positioning takes off!

Shelley, the LEARNZ field trip teacher, introduces the Land, Sky and Space virtual field trip and explores how location-based technology is transforming the way we navigate, travel and manage our environment.

SBAS – satellite-based augmentation system

Learn how Satellite-based Augmentation Systems (SBAS) improve the accuracy and reliability of GPS and satellite navigation systems, helping enable smarter transport, aviation, agriculture and other location-based technologies.

Experience the Ohmio Hop, a self-driving vehicle

Hop aboard a self-driving vehicle and discover how autonomous technology, sensors, mapping systems and GPS work together to navigate safely. See how this technology is being trialled in Christchurch and how it could change the way we travel.

Aircraft navigation technology

Explore the technology that helps modern aircraft navigate safely. Learn how pilots use maps, GPS, instruments and navigation systems to travel accurately between destinations.

Inside the cockpit of the flight inspection aircraft

Take a look inside the cockpit of a specialised aircraft and see how navigation technology is used to help pilots operate safely and accurately.

The Awarua satellite ground station

Visit the Awarua Satellite Ground Station and discover how information from satellites is received, monitored and used to support navigation and geospatial technologies.

Location technologies for the forestry industry

See how satellite navigation and geospatial technologies are helping the forestry industry improve efficiency, manage resources and make better decisions.

Fly a drone at Verdon College

Discover how drones are used to collect aerial imagery and geospatial information to support mapping, monitoring and environmental management projects.

Stopping the spread of wilding pines with location-based technology

Learn how drones, satellite navigation and geospatial data are being used to monitor and control the spread of invasive wilding pine trees across New Zealand landscapes.

Land surveying and boundary markers

Meet surveyors and learn how they determine property boundaries and collect highly accurate location information to support land management and mapping.

Changes in land surveying

Explore how surveying has evolved from traditional measurement methods to modern technologies such as GPS, digital mapping and laser scanning.

Using SBAS for land surveying

Find out how SBAS technology can improve the accuracy of surveying and provide more precise location information for professionals working on the land.

Getting better location information

Discover why accurate location information matters and how advances in positioning technology are helping improve navigation, mapping and decision-making.

Key learning outcomes

After watching the videos, you will be able to:

• Explain how GPS and satellite navigation determine location.
• Describe how GIS combines information to create powerful digital maps.
• Understand how geospatial technology supports aviation, surveying and environmental management.
• Explore the technologies behind self-driving vehicles and drones.
• Recognise the importance of accurate location information in everyday life.
• Investigate careers in New Zealand's geospatial sector.

More resources

Find resources related to field trips and location information:

Resources for LEARNZ virtual field trips