Hello from Kevin Sweeney, Geospatial Custodian

Author: Kevin Sweeney
Date: 15 December 2009 - 3 Comments

Tags: Kevin Sweeney, NZGO, LINZ

Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Geospatial Custodian Kevin Sweeney blogs from Atlanta, Georgia, where he's currently packing his belongings ahead of relocation to Wellington in late-January 2010.

The opportunity to put my experience to work and assume a leadership role in the implementation of a national level geospatial strategy represents a dream job for me.

Even from my admittedly limited exposure so far to the activities of LINZ and NZGO, I'm impressed with what has been accomplished and convinced that New Zealand has much to offer the global geospatial community.

I think what is often referred to as the relative 'isolation' of New Zealand represents a unique and affirmative force for the development of a successful geospatial industry.

Within a relatively small community, advancement of initiatives is in fact facilitated.

The development, implementation and marketing of a national geospatial strategy stand as a clear example of the New Zealand advantage.

I think the development of a successful, productive and mutually beneficial partnership between LINZ and the broader New Zealand geospatial community represents a significant challenge, but also opens up a wealth of opportunities for advancing the geospatial strategy.

Public, private and academic/research sectors all maintain unique perspectives on geospatial development and together they can enact outcomes with a profoundly positive impact for New Zealanders.

I see education as a critical component of the success of any initiative as comprehensive as the geospatial strategy.

A constituency aware of, and educated in, the concepts and the value of geospatial solutions for economic growth and many other important issues (such as green development) will be that much more supportive of the strategy's goals.

The focus within LINZ on a collaborative approach to strategic planning and consensus building has been very evident to me, and is in close alignment with what my own experience has taught me is the most productive path to success.

As an outsider, I realise there is greater pressure to prove my worth to those within the tight knit New Zealand geospatial community.

I look forward to establishing positive relationships and hope my experience and background within the geospatial arena of a different country can bring a fresh perspective and move the geospatial strategy forward.

Kevin Sweeney

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