About this virtual field trip
In this virtual field trip you'll learn how:
- location technologies are used on ships, trains and aircraft
- maps, nautical charts, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems(GIS) help people navigate safely
- cartographers, geospatial specialists, train controllers, air and ship pilots and captains work with digital mapping tools
- digital mapping tools monitor natural hazards and support emergency responses.
Introduction to Where are we? Navigating and positioning on sea, land and air
https://vimeo.com/166460148
Video series
Nautical charts
https://vimeo.com/170617572
Featured expert: Jennifer Coppola, nautical cartographer, LINZ.
Main themes
- How geospatial information is used aboard the Interislander ferry Kaitaki.
- Features of nautical charts.
- How charts are changing from paper to electronic charts.
Key takeaways
- Cartographers play a key role in creating and maintaining navigation information.
- Maps must have a consistent visual and written language worldwide so anyone can read them.
Electronic nautical charts
https://vimeo.com/170623245
Featured expert: Richard, Captain, Kaitaki ferry.
Main themes
- How electronic nautical charts are used on Interislander ferries.
- The benefits of electronic charts.
Key takeaways
- Electronic charts help crews know where a ship is in relation to land, hazards and other vessels in real time.
More navigation technology on board the ferry Kaitaki
https://vimeo.com/170630462
Featured expert: Richard, Captain, Kaitaki ferry
Main themes
- Navigation technology used on ships, such as (Automatic Identification System (AIS) and GPS and radar.
- How navigation technology is used to keep ships stable and safe on the Cook Strait.
Key takeaways
- Navigation technology is essential to track ships and locations.
- Radar helps identify other vessels and potential hazards.
Smart apps to find your way
https://vimeo.com/170642323
Featured expert: Jennifer Coppola, nautical cartographer, LINZ.
Main themes
- Demonstration of how free LINZ data is used in apps such as MarineMate and H-note
- Demonstration of how you can report sea hazards on the H-note app.
Key takeaways
- Anyone can report sea hazards.
- You could make your own marine apps using free LINZ data.
Unfolding the map
https://vimeo.com/170656143
Featured expert: Roger, curator, National Library.
Main themes
- How nautical charts and mapping equipment have evolved from paper, sextants and lead weights to more modern surveying techniques.
- History of New Zealand mapping, including New Zealand's oldest map from Abel Tasman, a map from Captain James Cook, an early map of Wellington Harbour and Acheron survey maps.
Key takeaway
- Mapping technology is continuing to evolve and improve over time.
Train control
https://vimeo.com/170759688
Featured expert: Colin Vickery, train control manager, KiwiRail.
Main themes
- How KiwiRail manages and monitors train movements.
- The role of control centres in maintaining safe and efficient rail services.
- Technology used for controlling and tracking trains during outages or emergencies.
Key takeaway
- Effective and safe train operations rely on accurate location information and communication systems.
Locating locomotives with GPS
https://vimeo.com/170760290
Featured expert: Colin Vickery, train control manager, KiwiRail.
Main themes
- How KiwiRail uses GPS system GeVIS in each locomotive and maintenance to track them in the control centre.
- How Kiwirail uses geofences - a virtual fence across a digital map - to track if the trains are on time.
- Technology to monitor train emergencies.
Key takeaway
- GPS, such as GeVIS, can be used to keep maintenance workers safe.
- GPS is important for monitoring train timing and emergencies.
DAS Driver Advisory System for trains
https://vimeo.com/170760660
Featured expert: Colin Vickery, train control manager, KiwiRail.
Main theme
- How DAS (Driver Advisory System) for trains tells drivers how to drive their train.
Key takeaway
- GPS can be used to help trains run more economically.
GIS and KiwiRail
https://vimeo.com/170761163
Featured expert: Paul Shivnan, GIS manager, KiwiRail.
Main themes
- How Kiwirail uses GIS data to manage property and incidents.
- Use of GIS to solve operational problems.
Key takeaway
- GIS is useful for mapping a location so you can respond to incidents in that location.
Flight planning with Life Flight Trust
https://vimeo.com/170938122
Featured expert: John, pilot, Life Flight Trust.
Main themes
- Flight planning steps used by the Life Flight Trust.
- How GPS, GIS and navigation systems are used to support flights.
Key takeaway
- Location technologies help people know where things are, where they are going and how to get there safely.
Tools for air navigation
https://vimeo.com/170938513
Featured expert: John, pilot, Life Flight Trust.
Main themes
- Tools pilots use to determine their location and direction.
- How pilots can use ground-based navigation aids when satellites aren't available.
- Changes to GPS systems over time.
- The difference between Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Key takeaway
- Pilots use multiple tools to navigate while flying.
In the air with Life Flight
https://vimeo.com/170939295
Featured expert: John, pilot, Life Flight Trust.
Main themes
- Flying on a Life Flight Trust fixed-wing aircraft.
- How a pilot programmes a flight course into the navigation system of a plane.
- Use of navigation technology to track that a flight is on course.
Key takeaway
- Navigation in the air is one part of a wider network of land, sea, air and satellite-based positioning systems.
Continuously Operating Reference Stations for GPS
https://vimeo.com/170939542
Featured expert: Dionne Hansen, Geodetic Surveyor, LINZ.
Main themes
- New Zealand's network of 39 Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORs), focusing on Wellington's station.
- The role of LINZ in maintaining national positioning infrastructure.
Key takeaway
- CORs are important to provide accurate information for surveying, mapping, transport, navigation and natural hazard monitoring.
Make your own maps
https://vimeo.com/170940163
Featured expert: Duanne Wilkins, Geospatial Specialist, LINZ.
Main themes
- Creating your own digital maps from location data.
- Displaying mapped information in Google Earth to visualise where people have travelled.
- Using a handheld GPS device to map height of a flight as well as distance and location.
Key takeaway
- Digital mapping tools make it easier to visualise and share geographic information.
Overall LINZ connection
- Providing location information and geospatial expertise to support transport.
- Providing data to keep transport safe from hazards.
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:
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:
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:
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
Wikipedia constellation animation - animated diagram of GPS positioning:
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:
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:
LINZ data and mapping tools
LINZ datasets - create your own maps using the 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:
TopoMap - explore 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:
Māori maps and place names
Kahurangiariki - discover traditional Māori place names and cultural history:
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:
Geospatial for Schools - explore geospatial resources for schools from LINZ:
GIS and Geography - learn how GIS can support geography education:
GIS in Schools - browse GIS learning resources for schools:
Natural Hazards Education - explore natural hazard education resources:
The GIS Lounge - check out GIS resources from the NZ Board of Geography Teachers: