Our progress
Up to 40% of New Zealand’s coastline will be mapped using topographic and bathymetric LiDAR technology. The areas to be mapped are highly populated parts of the coastline, as well as areas with significant coastal infrastructure, and where there is a higher risk of coastal inundation.
View progress on the 3D Coastal Mapping LiDAR Progress Tracker
Stylised rendering of Tuhua (Mayor Island) in the Bay of Plenty.
How the data will be used
The data will be used to create detailed 3D maps of the coast and adjacent seafloor, providing a baseline from which we can measure changes to coastal areas in the future. For example, from climate events and natural hazards such as tsunami and earthquakes.
This mapping will help decision-makers keep communities and infrastructure safe and protect ocean biodiversity through improved habitat mapping.
LINZ will also use data collected to update nautical charts for maritime safety, a core part of our Hydrographic work programme.