Surveyors, asset managers, GIS users and engineers are being asked to provide feedback on proposed updates to the Standard for New Zealand Survey Control.
The Standard, last published in 2009, specifies the Surveyor-General’s requirements for the maintenance of the national survey control system, which includes trig stations and survey marks.
According to the New Zealand Surveyor-General, Anselm Haanen, changes in geodetic practice and the introduction of new technologies since 2009 have generated a clear need to modernise the framework.
“Since 2009 we’ve seen major shifts in the geodetic landscape — earthquake recovery in multiple regions, the adoption of NZVD2016, the rise of multi-GNSS positioning, and the increasing precision of modern survey equipment,” he said.
“These new realities mean our national survey control system must keep pace with today’s practice and support the needs of the next decade.”
Currently, there are two documents: the Standard and an accompanying Guideline. The proposed update will consolidate the two.
The proposed changes are intended to better support 3D property rights, engineering applications, and the long-term resilience of national geospatial infrastructure.
They also aim to assist Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand and the private sector to make better decisions about maintaining and upgrading survey control networks.
Key points open for feedback include:
- Updates to the national accuracy framework;
- New network definitions, including a 3D Cadastral Control Network with modified mark densities, to replace the Cadastral Horizontal Control Network and Cadastral Vertical Control Network;
- An improved approach to deformation monitoring and publishing datum updates; and
- The introduction of a new Valuable Geodetic Marks category.
“This is an important opportunity for industry to help shape how New Zealand manages and maintains the spatial referencing system that underpins our cadastre, engineering projects, and location-based services,” said Haanen.
“We want to hear from the professionals who rely on this system every day. Your operational insights are critical to ensure these proposed changes are practical and enduring.”
