Finding resilience: locating and responding to natural hazards

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

Video series

Mapping Wellington Fault

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

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

Featured experts: Bax, Building Intelligence Manager and Alex, GIS Analyst from Wellington City Council, with John Hare, 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

Featured experts: Nic Donnelly, Surveyor, LINZ.

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

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

Featured experts: Glen Rowe, Tide Analyst, 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

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

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

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

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

Featured experts: Duane Wilkins, Geospatial Specialist, LINZ.

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.

More resources

Find resources related to field trips and location information:

Resources for LEARNZ virtual field trips