After the closure of NZTopoOnline, I saw a need to provide fast and easy access to NZ Topographic maps. Now forgive me for not using Open Street Map but I've just put together http://www.nztopomaps.com for easy access to the excellent resource that is the NZTopo maps.

The idea came into my head when my grandfather, who is a very keen tramper and associated with Pioneer Trampers Club in Christchurch, asked me about access to "maps". I simply expected to do a Google search and find several mapping websites serving topo maps but there were none. This, as well as discovering that NZTopoOnline was no longer available, made it my number one "after hours project" priority.

The only usable solutions I could find for my grandfather were to buy the topomap CDs which come with User Interface software, but paying money for something which is available for free isn't a good option.

My professional background sits on the fence between GIS and website development so this was a perfect project for me.

When I talk to people about what I do, the reaction I often get is "I Love Maps!"... so why not make them more accessible for everyone. This idea also supports section 5.4 of the Geospatial Strategy to improve access to geospatial information. nztopomaps.com contributes to achieving the NZ Geospatial Strategy goal of making government geospatial information more accessible and discoverable, in this case for the general public.

I hope you can make use of it. I'm open to suggestions for improvements and feature requests.

For further information email info@nztopomaps.com

Reuben