CASE STUDY
SECTOR
National Mapping, Natural Resources and Environment
Source: NIWA
mapping-coastal-vertical-land-movement-in-new-zealand-for-sealevel-rise-mitigation-and-infrastructure-resilience
Source: NIWA
New Zealand’s coastline faces unique challenges in predicting the effects of sea-level rise due to its tectonic activity and glacial history. This project aimed to create the country's first continuous map of Vertical Land Movement (VLM) around its extensive 15,000 km coastline. By integrating satellite data from GNSS and InSAR technologies, researchers can precisely track coastal areas experiencing subsidence (sinking) or uplift. This data, particularly useful for regions with low-lying land and heavy sediment deposits, highlights areas more vulnerable to sea-level rise, enabling improved risk assessments and strategic planning. The project’s findings will support ongoing resilience efforts, including flood risk reduction, coastal urban planning, and adaptation strategies to mitigate climate change’s impact on New Zealand’s coastlines.
Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science)
Geospatial Media and Communications Pvt. Ltd.