Imagery map of Waimakariri River

Automating our map data flows

Our mapping system, known as WAMS, provides accurate and reliable geographical public access information to New Zealanders.

Every month, the mapping system must update upward of 8.5 million records comprised of 7.5 GB of data and 15 datasets. This ensures our mapping is reliable and relevant to the public, our staff, and our regional field advisors. Historically, these updates have required a series of processes, some more automated than others.

Last month, we implemented an automatic process ensuring these scheduled data updates now need minimal manual handling. More importantly, we implemented automated logging. This allows us to review what happens as the automatic script runs, which is critical for monitoring and troubleshooting. Furthermore, we created secure authentication steps, ensuring we comply with government security standards.

While these improvements may seem mundane on their own, they are foundational capabilities of our wider data improvement program. They free up time and power to invest in improving how we collate, identify, and represent public access rights. This will mean more comprehensive and accurate information for people who use our maps.

These improvements to WAMS help map users make informed, safe decisions about public access based on reliable, up-to-date geographical data.

Explore with WAMS