Businesses located in and around the southern New Zealand’s port city of Timaru are being encouraged to consider the economic benefits available thanks to the new SouthPAN positioning service.
Venture Timaru and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) are working together to persuade local firms to take advantage of the free service, which can improve GPS accuracy from 5 to 10 metres to less than a metre, and in some cases as little as 10 cm.
“This new and enhanced positioning technology will benefit us all, whether in our personal or working lives,” said Nigel Davenport, Venture Timaru Chief Executive.
“It will provide significant benefits for a number of industries, from agriculture through to forestry, maritime, aviation, and emergency services, by improving productivity and reducing costs.
Davenport says he sees SouthPAN, and the benefits it will bring being, as being an integral part of the district’s long-term vision to grow the economy and community.
“This technology will be a pivotal resource in enabling faster, more precise and efficient operations, helping us all drive cost reductions and productivity improvements,” he said.
“These will undoubtedly all feature prominently in our Towards 2050 Plan, which is currently under development for our district.”
Timaru’s local Richard Pearse Airport is supporting the initiative, with its Chief Executive, Andrew Dixon, saying the airport is eager to utilise SouthPAN, which will have a number of benefits to the aviation industry once safety of life certification is achieved by 2028.
“SouthPAN will provide a significant safety and usability upgrade for pilots using the airport, as it offers them a greater level of positioning data than was ever available before,” said Dixon.
“For travellers this is a positive, as it’s likely to improve the reliability of scheduled flights through fewer weather disruptions.”
The airport is one of five locations across New Zealand where new reference stations will be installed later this year as part of a new dedicated network, replacing infrastructure that is delivering SouthPAN’s freely available services today.
“Through utilising SouthPAN, New Zealanders can unlock new economic opportunities, improve productivity and enhance the way we navigate everyday life,” said Michael Appleyard, LINZ Director – SouthPAN.
“We’re already hearing the benefits from early users in the maritime, forestry and horticulture industries, and this is just the beginning.
“We’re keen to hear from any businesses interested in finding out how SouthPAN can help them and their bottom line.”
