Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I think there is a mistake on a Topo50 map?

LINZ is reliant on a number of sources to provide us with the most accurate and up-to-date information about tracks in the back country. Since the release of the new Topo50 map series last year, we have received a number of updates and we encourage organisations and individuals to contact us if they believe something on one of our maps is inaccurate.

Once we are notified of any errors and provided with the correct information, we immediately update our topographic database. Subsequent map editions and raster images are then placed on our website, along with information on the changes relating to this version. This information can be accessed by everyone.

Many tracks are hidden under native forest and therefore cannot be seen from satellite imagery. We are reliant on up-to-date information being supplied to us from the Department of Conservation, tramping clubs, individuals and so on.

Users can notify LINZ of any discrepancies they come across, and we welcome and act on that information. To advise LINZ of any errors and omissions, or to suggest changes, email info@linz.govt.nz with ‘Topo50 Map Feedback’ in the subject line, or phone 0800 665 463.

Why are the maps and coordinates changing to Topo50?

The new Topo50 map series has been developed to be compatible with international mapping systems and modern navigational technologies such as GPS. As a result the new 1:50,000 scale maps use different coordinates (latitudes and logitudes) of points to the older maps with the position of our largest landmarks shifting by about 200 metres.

The change is not visible to the naked eye but will make a big difference when describing a position in the great outdoors.

This is the one of the most significant changes made to New Zealand’s topographical maps in 70 years.

Does this mean the old maps are obsolete?

The previous map series is based on how data was collected and displayed in the 1930s and 1940s, well before GPS and other modern navigational technology existed. The changes were prompted by the need for New Zealand’s mapping to fit better with international standards and modern navigational technology. Previously, coordinates on a map were determined in a way that was specific to New Zealand.

The paper maps using the older New Zealand Map Grid projection will still work, however the emergency services will be using the new projection and it's ideal if all parties are using the same coordinates

Why the need for the change from NZMS260 to Topo50? Is it to do with GPS devices?

The change was required as a result of Land Information New Zealand releasing a new national datum New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 (NZGD2000) to replace the New Zealand Geodetic Datum 1949 (NZGD1949).

The NZGD1949 datum was a 'local' datum that was no longer accurate enough and was limited by the survey technology available at the time. The accuracy has also degraded significantly due to the natural process of earth deformation.

The NZGD2000 datum is an 'international' datum and for all practical purposes is the same as that use by GPS.

See the Update GPS settings section for more information.

What are the technical terms for the new approach to calculating the coordinates?

Land Information New Zealand now uses the New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000 (NZGD2000). This changed the way that coordinates (latitudes/longitudes) of points in New Zealand are determined. LINZ has also defined a new projection for national topographic mapping, the New Zealand Transverse Mercator 2000 (NZTM2000) projection. More technical information is available on the Datums, Projections and Heights section of the LINZ website.

Why should I buy a Topo50 map?

Most importantly, this is the map that emergency services will be using from 23 September. If you need help, having the same map will help to make it as easy as possible for emergency services to find you. Also, the new maps are compatible with modern navigational technology. They're designed to work alongside modern systems, such as GPS, and meet international standards.

While the emergency services are still able to work from the old coordinates, it's ideal if all parties are using the same coordinates.

In addition to the safety benefits, the Topo50 series includes updated information on Department of Conservation huts and tracks, and are designed to help New Zealanders find their way through remote areas with greater ease.

If people give the out-dated coordinates, will they be found by emergency services?

Yes. While emergency services will be working from the new Topo50 coordinates, they are able to convert these back to the old coordinate system in a search and rescue situation.

Will people be able to read the new Topo50 maps?  What has changed?

The Topo50 maps require the same level of expertise to read as the old maps.

Each Topo50 map will cover a different area to the old NZMS260 maps. This is due to a change from landscape to a slightly smaller portrait format. The coordinates of geographic features and the grid references will also change, but terrain and landmarks will be shown the same way.

The Topo50 series has been designed for ease of use with a new portrait format (A1) sheet size that allows the best geographic fit. Shading helps users visualise topography. The back cover displays a locality indicator so map users can see where the map sheet fits within the geographic region.

You’ve said that the new coordinates have seen our landmarks shift by 200 metres. What does this mean? Has everything moved?

Yes, essentially everything has moved because everything has new coordinates. However the change is not visible to the naked eye. The modern mapping techniques have seen a change to the coordinates of landmarks and the coordinates of the maps’ grid lines.

Landmarks in some areas have also genuinely moved in the last 70 years as the result of natural forces such as earthquakes and erosion.

How many New Zealanders will this change affect?

A broad range of people use maps, including trampers, tourists, holiday makers and the general public. If you take into account other government agencies and emergency services who’ll be using our data, it’s a significant number of people.

Where can people access more information on how to use a map?

This website has a great deal of useful information about the maps including choosing the right map for where you’re going; where to buy it; and how to use it.

More information about New Zealand mapping and new maps is available on the Maps and Topographic Services section of the Land Information New Zealand website.

Are personal locator beacons still operational and accurate with the Topo50 coordinates system?

Personal Locator Beacons will not be affected by the change in maps as they already provide positions in terms of the international WGS84 datum. For all practical purposes, WGS84 is the same as the datum used for Topo50 maps (NZGD2000).

How much do the new Topo50 maps cost?

While the exact price is determined by individual retailers, we would expect the maps to sell for between $8 and $9 dollars. The old map series cost $12.50 per map.

There’s an online coordinate converter on the Land Information New Zealand website, why would someone need to convert the old coordinates to the new coordinates?

This can be used if someone has noted down old coordinates for a specific location and wants to convert them to the new Topo50 coordinates system.

How many maps are there?

The Topo50 series consists of 451 individual maps, at a 1:50,000 scale. The Topo250 maps consists of 31 individual maps at 1:250,000 scale.

Do the new individual Topo50 maps cover the same area as the NZMS260 maps?

No. There were 297 MZMS260 maps in the old format, and 451 Topo50 maps, in the new A1 portrait format.

How do I know which Topo50 map I need?

A map finding tool has been included on this website to help locate the correct map. You’ll also find a map-reading guide and instructions on how to set your GPS. You can also contact us if there is information you can't find on this website.

Where can I buy a Topo50 map?

Topo50 maps are available from major map and outdoor retailers as well as Department of Conservation visitor centres that have retail outlets. You can find map shops near you by using the Find a Map Retailer tool.

Can I still use my GPS?

Yes. All you need to do is set your GPS receiver to NZGD2000. If your GPS doesn’t support that system, you can use the default datum setting of World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84). WGS84 is practically the same as NZGD2000 and means latitudes and longitudes from your GPS receiver will be compatible with those on the Topo50 maps.

If you want grid coordinates, you will also need to adjust your GPS to the new projection settings.

The new projection settings are:

Projection	Transverse Mercator
Origin Latitude	0.0 degrees South
Origin Longitude	173.0 degrees East
False Northing	10,000,000m North
False Easting	1,600,000m East
Central Meridian scale factor	0.9996

What is a datum?

A geodetic datum is a set of reference points on the earth's surface against which position measurements are made. A datum is chosen to give the best possible fit to the true shape of the earth. Positions are described using a coordinates system such as latitude and longitude.