National Marine Geospatial Information (MGI) work programme

The MGI work programme consists of prioritised projects, each contributing towards the goals of the working group.

The projects within the work programme are led by different members of the steering group.

MGI work programme timeline
MGI roadmap [click to expand]

MGI stocktake stage 1

One of the goals of the MGI Working Group is to increase the findability and accessibility of Marine Geospatial Information. MGI stocktakes help to understand what Marine Geospatial Information exists and identify custodian organisations.

The following organisations have completed their MGI stocktake:

  • Government agencies: Land Information New Zealand, Department of Conservation, Ministry of Primary Industries.
  • Councils: Hawke’s Bay, Environment Southland, Greater Wellington.

Results from the NZ MGI stocktake are available through catalogue.data.govt.nz.

Data Portal Investigation

The investigation aims to help data custodians and users understand what platforms support the discoverability, accessibility and availability of marine geospatial datasets.

Matrix showing data portal options

Data portals providing access to NZ marine geospatial information [click to expand]

MGI user case studies

The user case studies helps data users understand what marine geospatial datasets can be collected and what purposes they can serve.

Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui and Tory Channel / Kura Te Au multidisciplinary seabed survey

In 2016/2017, Marlborough District Council (MDC) collaborated with LINZ to jointly fund New Zealand’s first multi-disciplinary seabed survey of Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui and Tory Channel / Kura Te Au. 

LINZ sought updated bathymetry to identify significant features, navigational hazards, and least depths to update existing charts. 

MDC needed information to ensure sustainable management of natural resources in the Marlborough Sounds. This included:

  • accurate characterisation and mapping of seabed habitats
  • benthic terrain modelling to classify habitats or ecosystems, and
  • identification of biogenic (or ‘living’) habitats important for biodiversity.

The project ran for 18 months and delivered New Zealand’s largest multidisciplinary survey. Substantial expenses were saved thanks to the collaboration.

Marlborough District Council created a series of seabed habitat maps to illustrate the richness of collected data and show some of the interesting features discovered:

Download an overview of the folio series (A3) (PDF 8MB)

View the habitat maps in ArcGIS

Kaikoura 2016 earthquake

Following the Kaikoura 2016 earthquake LINZ (in partnership with Fisheries New Zealand) commissioned a multibeam hydrographic survey from Cape Campbell to Kaikoura coastline. LINZ updated local charts to keep navigation safe in the area. Scientists still use the data from the survey to understand the impacts of earthquakes on marine ecosystems. This data provides a baseline to gauge the consequences of the earthquake and subsequent recovery of marine resources.

Posters created for a public event in Kaikoura to showcase collected data:

Poster | Kaikoura beneath the waves (PDF 4MB)

Poster | Kaikoura "blue" (PDF 3MB)

Portfolios of each scientific survey region visualising different data layers like bathymetry, backscatter, slope, aspect, rugosity, benthic terrain classification, seafloor classification and more:

  • Haumuri Bluffs to Oaro
  • Karakanui to Otumatu Rock
  • Kaikoura Peninsula
  • Rakautara
  • Ohau Point
  • Waipapa Bay
  • Cape Campbell

To get copies of the portfolios contact hydro@linz.govt.nz.

Last Updated: 25 March 2021