ambass/alvin from Geospatial: the use of skills, tools and data by people in Canterbury

Ambassador Alvin

Alvin loves getting out and about on LEARNZ field trips. Image: LEARNZ.

Alvin checks out the centre of Christchurch and the container mall. Image: LEARNZ.

Alvin checks out a new building being constructed near the centre of Christchurch. Image: LEARNZ.

Alvin gets stuck in the snow on the Port Hills above Christchurch. Image: LEARNZ.

Alvin jumps aboard Jen's model of a boat that uses sonar to map the sea floor. Image: LEARNZ.

Kia ora koutou,

I'm Alvin one of the LEARNZ ambassadors.

I am really excited about taking part in another year of LEARNZ adventures. If you join me you can come and visit out of the way places that you wouldn't otherwise be able to experience.

You can join me in Christchurch to learn about what geospatial data is and how it's helping Christchurch recover from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. You will see how some amazing computer technology is used to map things and present information.

I would love some company on this trip so if your class has a curious ambassador who would like to join me, sign them up now via your MyLEARNZ control panel.

See you there,

Alvin, the LEARNZ Ambassador.

Monday 27 May 2013

Talofa lava,

Did you know it’s Samoan Language Week this week? We felt far from a warm Pacific Island today as we woke to snow on the hills. Luckily the wind had dropped and we enjoyed a smooth flight north to Christchurch.

It was pretty chilly in Christchurch but the centre of town is looking a lot brighter than the last time I was here. Big murals and pot plants occupy once dreary demolition sites.

Tomorrow we are going to look at how information about space and location is being used to help rebuild the city.

Tofa soifua,

Alvin.

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Talofa lava,

I like to think that I’m pretty tough when it comes to putting up with cold weather but today was absolutely freezing! We had snow, hail and rain showers but it didn’t stop us from getting out and about.

We learnt how land information is collected and how it is helping to plan a more earthquake resilient city. It is hard to believe that so much information has been gathered since the earthquakes, yet it can all be shown so easily on maps and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

I especially liked the LiDAR map showing changes in land levels – it was so colourful.

Tomorrow we are going to learn more about making and reading topographic maps.

Tofa soifua,

Alvin.

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Talofa,

The sun was shining today so it was the perfect day to enjoy the fresh snow on the hills around Christchurch. I almost disappeared in a drift of snow that was deeper than I expected, but Richard from LINZ came to my rescue.

Richard makes maps and he showed us lots of different maps and how to read them properly. I learnt how to describe where I am as a grid reference. It’s a bit like playing battleships - you find out how far across the map you are, and how far up. This gives the coordinates or number to describe your exact location.

See you tomorrow to find out more about land elevation and mapping the sea floor.

Manuia le aso,

Alvin.

Thursday 30 May 2013

Talofa lava,

It was another cold, frosty morning in Christchurch today but it quickly warmed up. The highlight of the day was hiking up through the snow on Sugarloaf and enjoying the views from the top. We learnt all about how the height of land is measured and why it’s important to know the elevation of things.

We also looked around Lyttelton Port. Jen showed us some nautical charts and a cool little model of how ships are used to survey the seafloor. These ships use sonar to bounce sound waves off the sea floor to create a picture of what lies beneath the water.

I have learnt such a lot on this field trip and I now appreciate just how much we rely on geospatial information.

Malo lava le taumafai - Well done for your efforts.

See you on another trip soon,

Alvin.