Land, sky and space

This virtual field trip explores how location-based technology is changing the way we move, navigate, map and manage the world around us. Join experts, pilots, surveyors and geospatial professionals to discover how satellites, GPS, GIS, drones and emerging technologies are helping build a smarter future.

Travel from Christchurch to Invercargill and Dunedin to see how location information is used in aviation, surveying, environmental management and autonomous transport. Along the way, they meet people working in New Zealand's growing geospatial sector and discover the many career opportunities available.

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/266779437

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271242192

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271243206

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271243813

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271244736

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271455784

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271455866

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271455978

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271456077

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271647477

Changes in land surveying

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

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271647797

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.

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271648049

Getting better location information

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

View video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/271649385

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.

Additional resource links

Earth science, surveying and positioning

Outdoor exploration and safety

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

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

LINZ data and mapping tools

GIS Day and geospatial awareness

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

Careers in geospatial and surveying