About this virtual field trip
In this virtual field trip, you'll learn how maps, satellite positioning and monitoring systems help us:
- map earthquake faults
- monitor land movement
- identify flood-risk areas
- create tsunami evacuation maps
- support emergency planning and response.
The activities and videos feature scientists, surveyors, emergency managers and students using location information to build resilience in their communities.
Introduction to finding resilience series
https://vimeo.com/228638029
Video series
Mapping Wellington Fault
https://vimeo.com/231528156
Featured expert: Rob Langridge, Earthquake Geologist, GNS Science.
Main themes
- Mapping faults and using geological science to identify and understand natural hazards.
- The role of earth scientists in assessing and communicating risk.
- Using mapping data to support emergency response and decision making.
Key takeaways
- Active faults can be identified and mapped on the landscape.
- Earth scientists play an important role supporting their community.
- Maps support planning and preparedness for future earthquakes.
The GeoNet monitoring system
https://vimeo.com/231528286
Featured experts: Rob Langridge, Earthquake Geologist, GNS Science.
Main themes
- GNS Science's role in earthquake detection and monitoring.
- How the GeoNet monitoring system monitors seismic activity.
- Using science and technology to respond to natural hazards.
Key takeaways
- GeoNet monitors natural hazards throughout New Zealand.
- Location information helps track changes in the environment.
- Monitoring systems provide information used during hazard events.
Smart technology for earthquake response
https://vimeo.com/231528514
Featured experts: Bax, Building Intelligence Manager and Alex, GIS Analyst from Wellington City Council, with John Holmes, CEO, Holmes Group.
Main themes
- Technology for earthquake response and recovery.
- Modelling earthquake impacts and risks.
- Using data to predict and understand hazard impacts and support decision making.
Key takeaways
- Technology supports rapid response after an earthquake.
- Maps provide critical information during emergencies.
- Accurate location information improves decision-making.
Measuring land movement for earthquake response
https://vimeo.com/231528647
Featured experts: Nic Donnelly, surveyor.
Main themes
- Understanding earthquake hazards, risk and resilience.
- Fault line identification and mapping.
- Understanding how faults shape the environment.
Key takeaways
- Earthquakes can permanently change the position of the land.
- Surveying technology measures these changes accurately.
- Positioning systems help communities recover after an event.
Tsunami evacuation maps
https://vimeo.com/231671457
Featured experts: William, tsunami scientist, GNS Science.
Main themes
- Tsunami causes and triggers.
- Understanding tsunami hazards and areas at risk.
- Tsunami evacuation planning and mapping evacuation zones.
Key takeaways
- Evacuation maps help communities prepare for tsunami.
- Maps show safe routes and evacuation areas.
- Planning ahead can help save lives.
Tsunami warning network
https://vimeo.com/231671650
Featured experts: Glen Rowe, tide analyst from LINZ.
Main themes
- Tsunami monitoring and detection, early warning systems, tide gauges and coastal monitoring technology.
- Using real time data to track tsunami activity.
- Coastal resilience and preparedness, including evacuation planning.
Key takeaways
- Monitoring networks help detect tsunami activity.
- Warning systems provide critical information quickly.
- Technology helps communities respond more effectively.
Smart city preparation for tsunami
Featured experts: Sean, Innovation Officer, Smart Cities, Wellington City Council.
Main themes
- Earthquake geology and fault lines mapping.
- Geospatial and location technologies, including 3D virtual reality.
- Understanding earthquake risk and hazard mapping for planning and preparedness.
Key takeaways
- Technology can support community preparedness.
- Location information helps identify risks and plan responses.
- Resilient communities use information to reduce hazard impacts.
Tsunami mapping with Ōwhiro Bay School
https://vimeo.com/231671852
Main themes
- Tsunami awareness and preparedness.
- Emergency response planning and building community resilience.
- Understanding evacuation routes.
Key takeaways
- Students can use maps to understand local hazards.
- Geospatial information supports community awareness.
- Local knowledge can contribute to hazard planning.
Identifying and mapping flood-risk areas in Wellington
https://vimeo.com/231854131
Featured experts: Sharyn Westlake, engineer, Wellington Regional Council.
Main themes
- Identifying flood prone areas and flood risk mapping.
- River and floodplain management.
- Engineering approaches to hazard assessment.
Key takeaways
- Hazard maps help identify areas at risk from flooding.
- Flood information supports planning and decision-making.
- Location data helps communities understand local risks.
Measuring floods
https://vimeo.com/231854290
Featured experts: Mike Harkness, hydrologist.
Main themes
- Understanding floods and flood risk.
- Measuring river and rainfall levels.
- Hydrology and environmental monitoring.
- Reducing the impacts of flooding.
Key takeaways
- Flood information is collected using a range of technologies.
- Monitoring improves understanding of flood behaviour.
- Data supports hazard management and planning.
Using the past for maps of today
https://vimeo.com/231854392
Featured experts: Sharyn Westlake, engineer, Wellington Regional Council.
Main themes
- Using historical maps and records to understand change over time.
- Comparing past and present landscapes.
- Geographic information and spatial analysis.
Key takeaways
- Historic information can help explain current hazards.
- Maps show how landscapes change over time.
- Past events can help us prepare for future hazards.
Flood hazard mapping at Naenae College
https://vimeo.com/231854630
Featured experts: Duane Wilkins, Mapping team leader, Department of Conservation (DOC).
Main themes
- Understanding natural hazards and areas at risk from flooding.
- Geographic information and mapping, such as GIS.
- Spatial data for decision-making.
Key takeaways
- Students can use spatial information to investigate hazards.
- Mapping helps visualise flood risks.
- Geospatial skills can support community resilience.
Core messages from the video series
1: Location information helps us understand natural hazards and how they affect communities
Maps, aerial imagery, surveying, GPS/GNSS, and geographic data help us identify where hazards exist and understand how they may affect people and places.
2: Using technology to monitor and measure hazards helps us prepare and respond
Scientists and surveyors collect information about earthquakes, tsunami, flooding, and land movement. This information helps communities prepare for hazards and respond when events happen.
3: Geospatial information helps communities prepare for emergencies and reduce the impacts of natural hazards.
Location information is used by emergency managers, councils, scientists, and planners to reduce risk and improve community resilience.
4: Maps help people understand information and make decisions about safety, planning, and response.
Maps are not just for finding places. They are tools for planning, analysing risk, communicating information, and supporting action.
5: Everyone can use maps and location information to investigate hazards and contribute to resilient communities.
The series shows scientists and professionals, but also students and local communities using location information to understand hazards and plan for the future
Overall LINZ connection
- Why location information matters
- How maps are created and used.
- The role of GPS and GIS in hazard management.
- How geospatial data supports hazard management in New Zealand.
Additional resources
Careers in geospatial and surveying
Survey and Spatial NZ - explore careers in surveying and spatial professions:
Survey and Spatial New Zealand
Tahatū Career Navigator - search for geospatial career pathways:
Tahatū Career Navigator
Earth science, surveying and positioning
GeoNet - New Zealand's official geohazard monitoring system, providing real-time mapping of earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and tsunami:
Get Ready NZ - tsunami evacuation information, hazard maps and preparedness activities, emergency planning resources for schools and families:
Natural Hazards Portal - explore natural hazard risk and access to hazard maps and local council information:
NIWA / Earth Sciences NZ Flood Hazard Map Viewer - shows modelled flood hazards across New Zealand under current and future climate conditions:
NZ Natural Hazard Teaching Resources (CRISiSLab) - a portal of hazard education resources for New Zealand schools:
https://www.crisislab.org.nz/teachingresource
Wellington Fault videos - find out more about Wellington Faults
Wellington Fault flyover video
GIS and geospatial learning
ArcGIS map viewer - explore mapping and spatial analysis using ArcGIS Online:
GIS overview - learn the basics of geographic information systems (GIS) with Esri:
What is GIS?
Unfolding the map blog - read articles and visual stories about maps and cartography:
GIS Day and geospatial awareness
GIS Day - learn about the annual global celebration of GIS through GIS Day:
GIS Day
GPS resources
LINZ geodetic resources - learn about LINZ marks, software, systems and technology on earth and in space:
Nasa resources - find explanations of how GPS works and a history of geodesy:
Wikipedia constellation animation - animated diagram of GPS positioning:
GPS Constellation Animation
LINZ data and mapping tools
LINZ datasets - create your own maps using the LINZ Data Service:
LINZ Data Service
LINZ website - learn more about New Zealand's official mapping, land information and geographic data:
Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ)
Maps, navigation and outdoor mapping
LINZ Data Service datasets - access the datasets used to create New Zealand's printed topographic maps:
LINZ Data Service
TopoMap - explore New Zealand:
TopoMap New Zealand
TopoMaps App - download offline maps for your phone:
NZ Topo Maps App (available separately for the North and South Islands).
Topo50 Map Guide - learn how to read New Zealand topographic maps:
Topo50 Map Guide
Māori maps and place names
Kahurangiariki - discover traditional Māori place names and cultural history:
Kahurumanu
Maps of Te Waipounamu and Te Ika-a-Māui - explore tangata whenua place names of Aotearoa New Zealand, pre European settlement:
Maps of Te Waipounamu and Te Ika a Māui
Outdoor exploration and safety
Mountain Safety Council - resources to prepare for your next outdoor adventure
New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
NZ Hiking and Tramping - video series featuring 3D visualisations using LINZ topographic map data
NZ Hiking + Tramping Video Series
Teaching and classroom resources
Esri training course - complete the course Teaching with GIS:
Teaching with GIS Course
Geospatial for Schools - explore geospatial resources for schools from LINZ:
Geospatial for Schools
GIS and Geography - learn how GIS can support geography education:
GIS and Geography Education
GIS in Schools - browse GIS learning resources for schools:
GIS in Schools NZ Resources
Natural Hazards Education - explore natural hazard education resources:
Natural Hazards Education
The GIS Lounge - check out GIS resources from the NZ Board of Geography Teachers: