(PR.co.nz) Official New Zealand Topographic Maps available for free online through the new website www.nztopomaps.com
The online service allows users to quickly find, view and print topographic maps for planning recreational, business and research activities, and includes a place name search function. nztopomaps.com provides fast and simple access to the ‘NZTopo’ Topographic Map Series, which are traditionally purchased as printed paper maps.
The ‘NZTopo’ Topographic Map Series, produced by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), is used for a variety of recreational activities such as tramping and fishing, and by businesses and government entities such as the Department of Conservation. Topographic maps are also an essential tool for defense planning, location and routing services, and land management. The service is also available on smartphones such as iPhone devices, and makes use of their in-built GPS capabilities.
“It’s great to see an initiative like this that leverages quality information and presents it in a different form to the wider community. LINZ has modernized its production systems to allow a wider range of digital map products to become available online and free. It is great to see them being endorsed in this way.” Colin MacDonald – CEO, Land Information New Zealand.
“LINZ topographical maps have guided New Zealand adventurers safely in and out of the most wild and remote corners of the archipelago for decades. The NZTopoMaps project brings the entire geographical catalogue to the fingertips. Adventures can be planned in detail without having to the buy the maps first and provide elevation detail that Google Maps gloss over. You can feel the burn in your thighs just looking at those tightly packed isolines.” James Frankham, Editor, New Zealand Geographic Magazine.
“Free web access to New Zealand topo maps makes them more accessible and usable. You can discover so much about New Zealand by looking at a topo map.” Reuben Williams, Environmental Information Consultant and nztopomaps.com producer, NZISTA Limited.
A detailed introduction to nztopomaps.com, with TVNZ News Presenter Peter Williams, is available for viewing on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/v/yPK6AYWD1Ao?hl=en&fs=1.
Media Release 5 October 2010 from NZISTA Limited.