We recently selected Koordinates Ltd to design a web solution for us by July next year, allowing users of our geospatial information to easily locate and download the data online.

We went to the market in August, seeking a partner to develop web services and tools for making our data more available and accessible via a 'provider node', which has since been renamed the 'LINZ Data Service'.

The LINZ Data Service will allow people to easily find, use and share our topographical, hydrographical, survey, titles and geodetic data via a web-based service - data.linz.govt.nz.

The service will be up and running by 1 July 2011.

We received a number of very credible proposals from well-recognised providers of GIS services. 

Koordinates really impressed us as an innovative company with a proven track-record of delivering access and discoverability data solutions.

Their experience in supplying bulk quantities of GIS data via a high-uptime web service is just what we need. Plus, they are already familiar with our data and are switched on to what end-users need.

Koordinates recently built Landcare Research's environment and land data portal and Biodiversity Northland's geospatial collaboration website.

One of LINZ's core goals is to improve the way New Zealanders find, use and share geospatial information.

We are meeting this goal by making our own land and seabed information more accessible, and ensuring it is reliable, up-to-date and fit for purpose.

Previously, access to our data has not always been easy, and this has influenced the way many people and organisations have established their geospatial capability.

With the LINZ Data Service, our information will be available to a wider range of users who can do any manner of innovative things with it.

Collaboration with the geospatial industry will be crucial as the LINZ Data Service is developed.

We are pulling together a panel of industry experts to design the solution, assess and monitor its progress, and provide feedback throughout the entire build process. Approximately 15 industry representatives from local and central government, emergency services, and GIS private sector agencies will be involved.   

Excitement is really starting to build about what we can achieve with the LINZ Data Service, which differs markedly from the model promoted in recent years. The approach today is low-cost and high-tech, and we are committed to making this service succeed.

When it is up and running, data.linz.govt.nz will represent a breakthrough in the way geospatial data is made available to the public by a government agency, and will be an exemplar for other agencies to emulate.

I will continue to provide updates as the service is developed and rolled out, and would welcome your comments on the LINZ Data Service.

Jan Pierce

General Manager Customer Services
Land Information New Zealand