Purpose

The purpose of this Circular is to notify that In September 2009 Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) will launch the "Topo50', a new 1:50,000 map series.

Background

LINZ is the only organisation that produces maps that cover the whole of New Zealand, which is does in providing 452 maps. These will be released simultaneously in September 2009, after which the current NZMS260 series will no longer be available.

Topo50 brings with it some important differences from the current NZMS260 series, the key one being that it uses a different projection. This means that someone looking at a grid reference on the 260 map will give quite a different reference to someone looking at the same geographical point on the new Topo50 series. Technically this is because the Topo50 series will use the New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 and the New Zealand Transverse Mercator 2000 projection meaning the point of reference for latitude and longitude and the grid coordinates of geographic features have changed.

These changes were prompted by the need for New Zealand's mapping to fit better with international standards and modern navigational technology.       

More information can be found at the following links:

This is the link for a short intro for the Topo 50 Sheet index, names & extents:

http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/projects-programmes/topo50-project/sheets/index.aspx

Background info for the Migration project:

http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/projects-programmes/topo50-project/about/index.aspx

North Island index link:

http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/projects-programmes/topo50-project/sheets/images/north-island.jpg

South Island index link:

http://www.linz.govt.nz/topography/projects-programmes/topo50-project/sheets/images/south-island.jpg

Ordering New Maps

RFA's who haven't already ordered their new maps can do so at no cost through the NRFA. RFA's can order one of each map required for their area.

Please indicate on the attached form the maps you want for your region and send the order form to Denise Callaghan, Finance & Administration Manager, at NRFA (denise.callaghan@fire.org.nz) by 28 August 2009.

Please note if you have already ordered your maps through Andrew Ferrel (LINZ) then you do not need to order again through the NRFA. Department of Conservation also has their own ordering and does not need to place orders through the NRFA.

Regards

Murray Dudfield

National Rural Fire Officer

Circular 2009/10