NZ spatial data worth $1bn to economy

By on 14 September, 2010

 

Innovative use of spatial information pumped more than NZD1.2bn into the New Zealand economy in 2008 – and better access to data could see another NZD500m added to the economy over the next year, according to a report into the value of spatial information in New Zealand.

Ambulance response times, urban planning, emissions mapping, and transport co-ordination have all been greatly aided by use of spatial information.

But a range of barriers including problems in accessing data, inconsistency in data standards, and a general lack of skills and knowledge about spatial information have constrained uptake and limited the ability to reap additional benefits in New Zealand.

The report, commissioned by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Ministry for Economic Development (MED) said providing better access to data and training will encourage innovation, as users find new ways of translating spatial information to solve problems and develop new products.

One of the main challenges is to free up access to data, according to Minister for Land Information Maurice Williamson.

“We’ve always believed that spatial information contributes significantly to the economy, now we have credible data to back that up,” he said.

The report called for closer co-operation between Industry and the government sector to realise the benefits of more open access and standardised data, and recommends the development of a national spatial data infrastructure.

This report estimates the benefit-to-cost (BCR) ratio of such action to be at least five to one.

“Government has already signalled that spatial data infrastructure is a priority area. For the good of the economy, now is the right time to knock away the remaining barriers to more widespread adoption of spatial information,” said Williamson.

 

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