Geospatial Community & New Beginnings

Author: Kevin Sweeney
Date: 15 February 2010

Tags: SDI, NZGO, fundamental datasets, economy, education, skills and capacity, Avatar, Weta

As I'm writing this, I've just returned from my first viewing of the film Avatar. Beyond the amazing effects and the crafted storytelling that shape this groundbreaking film, I was struck during the closing credits by the sheer number of people who came together as a unit to produce such an innovative and entertaining piece of work.

Many of the people behind the film were of course based here in New Zealand, at Weta in Wellington and other locations. I could sense the pride that passed through the audience as they saw their home town and country displayed prominently as the source of this wonderful movie.

That in turn got me thinking about the state of the New Zealand geospatial industry. Though only here about a month so far, I am already encouraged by the talent, understanding and potential that exist among the geospatial professionals with whom I've had the pleasure to meet. There is a palpable sense, too, that as a group we have turned a corner and are all in some way making a fresh start. It is that potential energy, that feeling we are poised on the brink of accomplishment that inspires me and convinces me we are well positioned to achieve great things and grow our community along the way.

A key element in the development of a community involves a set of common ideas or prospects around which members of that group can rally. The New Zealand Geospatial Office (NZGO) has in its current portfolio a large and varied list of initiatives, projects and partnering opportunities any one of which I would argue pass that test.

We have plenty of core prospects with which to establish a common vision. Foundational work is already underway to establish a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), and to implement a robust set of standards to facilitate the coordinated development of so-called fundamental datasets. We will explore the possibilities of a network of catalogues to share our valuable information, supporting research to help define our aspirational state and promote the establishment of capability building opportunities throughout the education system. Clear benefits for New Zealand's economy can be realised with the implementation of increased geospatial work, as the economic benefits report commissioned in 2009 and referenced elsewhere on this website attests. But beyond those practical advantages, there are equally important benefits for the development of our profession and the maturation of our community.

There are challenges to be sure but they are not new ones, and they are not insurmountable. A refrain I've heard from time to time as I or others in the NZGO talk about the initiatives to expand the application of geospatial approaches and technologies and move things forward, is, "We've tried this before, and it didn't work." While it is important to acknowledge and understand those hesitancies, my answer is also, "No, we have not tried this before." I can make such a statement because many of those with whom I work and with whom I've discussed our plans were not in fact here 'before'. And as anyone who has been involved with successful initiatives will tell you, it is ultimately the people championing those initiatives that make things happen.

Those of us who have the belief that things can improve regardless of what may have occurred in the past or despite the challenges that exist must seize the leadership position and inspire others, with our own passion, to join in. Not because they are mandated but because they are inspired. It will take our example and the convincing of others, perhaps especially those not in the geospatial ranks, to bring our ideas to fruition. In the end it is the passion with which we convey our message, not the numbers or cost-benefit analyses or the technical demos, that will convince those positioned or with the resources to assist us to come along.

Much as the local film industry has become a source of pride for Kiwis, so too can their geospatial profession. As we here in the NZGO and elsewhere take those first steps to move the New Zealand geospatial sector to the next stage of its evolution, I hope you will join us.

Kevin Sweeney

Geospatial Custodian
New Zealand Geospatial Office

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