Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) investigation into New Zealand’s bathymetry, the study of underwater depth of lakes or ocean floors

Overview

The goal of this investigation was to gain a complete understanding of New Zealand bathymetry to inform the future development and coordination of this fundamental data theme. It involved a stock-take of New Zealand bathymetry, a review of its economic benefits and developing a set of options with recommendations for the strategic direction of bathymetry in New Zealand.

Geographical scope

New Zealand

Non-quantified impacts

Key findings are:

The marine environment is an important asset that provides extensive benefits for New Zealand
Bathymetric data is information about the morphology of underwater terrain and is derived from measurements of the depth of lakes and oceans. It is a key asset that supports New Zealand’s marine economy
The need for, and the use of, bathymetric data in New Zealand is widespread. Sixty-six of the 71 stakeholders that responded to LINZ’s bathymetry questionnaire use bathymetry in their business
There are noticeable gaps in the coverage of bathymetric data (even in priority areas) – up to 70% of New Zealand’s waters are not mapped to a high resolution
There is a range of sectors in the New Zealand economy where marine spatial data is vital to decision-making. for example:
- shipping
- fishing and aquaculture
- offshore minerals, and
- government and defence
There is little coordination of effort in New Zealand to streamline the acquisition and dissemination of bathymetric data
Better coordination of bathymetric data in terms of acquisition and dissemination could have a considerable impact on New Zealand’s marine economy

Quantifiable impacts

In 2002 the marine economy contributed NZD 3.3 billion (3% of total GDP) to the total economy (NZD 115 billion)
At least NZD 20 million per annum is spent on collecting bathymetric data through hydrographic and bathymetric surveys
A review of international literature shows:
- return on investment for hydrographic services is between 1:3 and 1:9, and
- return on investment for good bathymetric data provision is between 1:2 and 1:6

Reference

Find this article at: https://www.linz.govt.nz/sites/default/files/New%2520Zealand%2520Bathymetry%2520Investigation%2520October%25202015.pdf

Region

New Zealand

Study type

Various methodologies applied

Economy sector

Water, Infrastructure (Transport), Infrastructure (Energy), Public Safety and Security, Disaster Risk Management