Home » Spatial Information in the New Zealand Economy » Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spatial Information in the New Zealand Economy report
What is spatial information?
Spatial information is data that is linked to a geographic location. It's about knowing where things are on, under or above the surface of the earth and how they relate to one another.
Why is spatial information important?
Almost all modern human activity relies on spatial information. Spatial information makes it possible to do things like use maps on mobile phones or look up online rating information. It also helps, for example, emergency services find the right address in an emergency, weather services to pinpoint where a severe weather front is moving to, or health services to monitor disease outbreaks. The uses are endless, and modern society would struggle to function without spatial information.
What is the estimated value of spatial information?
In 2008, the use and re-use of spatial information added at least $1.2 billion in productivity related benefits to the New Zealand economy. This is equivalent to 0.6% of New Zealand's GDP. Wider and better use of spatial information could add another $500 million to the economy, through increases in productivity. Such increases are significant in today's economic environment.
What are people doing with the spatial information already available?
New Zealanders are already doing great things with the spatial information they've got their hands on. The spatial information industry is a small, dynamic sector with the potential to lead the world.
However, easier access to data at little or no cost will lead to greater innovation, as people will find new ways of translating the information to solve problems or develop products, such as those using GPS technology.
What's stopping people doing more?
The main barriers to the use of spatial information are problems with access, inconsistency in data standards, and lack of skills and knowledge relating to modern spatial information technology. Had these barriers not existed, New Zealand could have benefitted from an extra $481 million in productivity gains last year, generating about $100 million in extra government revenue.
Who uses spatial information?
Modern spatial information technologies are found across all sectors of the economy - agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and resources, property and services, construction, transport and storage, utilities, communications, retail, tourism, government and more. These industries affect all New Zealanders in one way or another.
Spatial information is also important for the efficient running of private businesses. Up to 80% of information managed by businesses is estimated to be spatial (for example, knowing where assets or inventories are located, or how markets and customers differ geographically).
What is government doing about opening up access to spatial information?
Government has signalled that geospatial information infrastructure is a priority area, and is working to reduce barriers. It has already developed a number of initiatives for easier and better re-use of government non-personal data and information, including spatial data. Initiatives include the Cabinet-approved New Zealand Geospatial Strategy, promotion of already available government data, and a common information licensing framework.
However, industry and the government sector must work together to realise the benefits of more open access and standardised spatial information.
What is LINZ's role?
New Zealand's spatial information needs to be available, accessible and able to be shared. LINZ is coordinating the development of a national spatial data infrastructure (NSDI) - a key recommendation from the realising productivity gains report. An NSDI will generate real and significant economic benefit for New Zealand by enabling better access to and use of spatial information.
What is LINZ doing to make its own data more accessible?
Earlier this month, Cabinet approved significant fee reductions for LINZ's bulk topographic, and survey and titles data. From 11 September 2009, the fee for the source digital data for topographic maps will be $84 - down from the current fee of $1,500. The fee for survey and titles data has dropped from $270 to $53. Maps in the new national map series being launched next month have been halved in price because of the use of improved technology.
