28 April 2008

Defence Signs Satellite Imagery Contract

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) signed a contract with Sinclair Knight Mertz Pty Ltd (SKM) at Defence House in Wellington today as part of the KiwImage project.

"The KiwImage (correct spelling) Project is an All of Government initiative to purchase satellite imagery of New Zealand, selected South West Pacific islands for which New Zealand has responsibility and the Ross Dependency for use by NZ Government Departments and Local Government," said Colonel Kevin Arlidge.

Over the next 3-5 years the KiwImage project will capture images of all of New Zealand and its offshore islands at 60cm resolution. The resolution is such that individual trees and bushes, walking tracks and road markings are all discernible.

"Most of the initial work on the project was performed by the NZ Fire Service and in 2007 NZDF was asked to host the purchase, storage and distribution of the imagery database. The imagery will be used to update topographical maps and databases for Government departments, Local Government and Emergency Services," Colonel Arlidge said.

The Defence Force's Joint Geospatial Support Facility in Devonport, Auckland was given the task of implementing the project.

SKM has been awarded the contract to provide the imagery which is gained from Global Image in the United States.

ENDS

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