The purpose of this page is to create an awareness of the existence of GIS (computer systems capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information). Additions to the page are welcome.

In a recent training workshop for headquarters’ personnel in Wellington, the use of GIS resources was discussed. Reference was made to a recent "semi-urban" type search in the hills backing onto the suburb of Eastbourne. The scale and accuracy of the standard 1:50 000 NZMS series 260 map was found to be unsuitable given the area being covered, and the type of search being undertaken. On the advice of one of the SAR advisors, scaled aerial photo's (orthophoto’s) of the area were obtained from the Wellington Regional Council. These were then used by FHQ personnel and the teams in the field.

While the Police have indicated that they are unable to provide the GIS resources for SAR, it is apparent that many other organisations maintain GIS databases which could be suitable for SAR purposes. Local Body Organisations (eg: City Councils, District Councils and Regional Councils) appear to have resources which, for example, could be very useful for urban SAR’s. Orthophoto’s overlaid onto maps, or overlaid with grids have proven to be useful in the past.

Notwithstanding the existence of the appropriate resources, it is clear that (at least in Wellington) that timely access to the information is an issue. The resolution of this problem locally will no doubt result in more utilisation of GIS sourced material in the Wellington area in the future.

Want to find out more? The following links provide some background information on Geographic Information Systems.