Videos

Each day of the field trip, curriculum-rich videos are made which take students right up close to the action.

LEARNZ videos are in mp4 format  and are able to be played on almost all computers. If the videos don't play we recommend you download and install appropriate software such as Quicktime 7 (or better) or Windows Media Player (however most computers already have either or both of these installed).

Some simple instructions

We suggest if your connection to the Internet is slow or if you intend playing any video more than once, that you download the file to your local machine or network

  • PC users - Internet Explorer left-click on a link and follow prompt to Save, for other browsers right-click on a link and "Save Link As"
  • Mac users - hold down Ctrl and click on a link then "Download Linked File"
  • Once downloaded, double-click the file to play it or open your media player first, click File...Open and navigate to the file

Tuesday 28 May

1. Land Testing - small version (8Mb mp4 file), large version (26Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Join Shelley and Steve Bensberg from LINZ at Bexley in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch to find out how land strength is tested.
1. How has the land in Christchurch been tested?
2. What do these tests show?
3. How is this information shared?

Next step learning: Look at the CERA website to find out more about land testing in Canterbury.

2. Land Levels and Flooding - small version (5Mb mp4 file), large version (17Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Take a look along the Avon River stopbank off New Brighton Road and find out why flooding is now more of a risk in areas like this.
1. Why has the tidal flood risk increased in coastal areas of Christchurch?
2. How is land level measured?
3. What are the options for managing tidal flooding?

Next step learning: Visit last year’s geospatial field trip and watch the video to find out more about how LiDAR works.

3. Building Consents - small version (9Mb mp4 file), large version (29Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Travel into central Christchurch to find out how the rebuild is progressing.
1. How many buildings have had to be demolished in central Christchurch?
2. How is building safety monitored?
3. Why is it important to know where new buildings are?

Next step learning: Take a look at the Christchurch Central Development Unit website to see the blueprints for Christchurch.

4. Lifeline Planning - small version (7Mb mp4 file), large version (23Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Brave the wintry weather out at Ferrymead to discover the importance of the Ferrymead Bridge and other services.
1. What are lifelines?
2. Why is the Ferrymead Bridge a key structure?
3. How do maps help plan for emergency?

Next step learning: Find out what plans have been made in your area to cope with a natural disaster and what type of geospatial information is included in these.

5. Subdivisions - small version (8Mb mp4 file), large version (28Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Over 10,000 homes need to be rebuilt in Christchurch. Explore a new subdivision and find out how geospatial information is used to plan and build subdivisions.
1. Why is it important to know about topography when planning a subdivision?
2. What are TC categories?
3. Where is information on land tests shared and why is it shared?

Next step learning: Where are subdivisions being developed in Christchurch and why have these areas been chosen.

Wednesday 29 May

1. Topographic Maps - small version (8Mb mp4 file), large version (27Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Join cartographer Richard Freeman and Shelley in the Land Information Office to find out what topographic maps are.
1. Why is it difficult to show the Earth’s round surface on a flat map?
2. What natural features are shown on a topographic map?
3. What cultural or human-made features can you see on a topographic map?

Next step learning: Take a look at the LINZ map chooser and find the map that shows the area in which you live.

2. Use of Topographic Maps in Christchurch - small version (7Mb mp4 file), large version (24Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Venture out into the snow on the Port Hills to find out how topographic maps are used.
1. What happened to topographic map usage after the earthquakes?
2. What were these maps used for?
3. How else do people use topographic maps?

Next step learning: What other types of maps do you think were useful in Christchurch following the earthquakes?

3. Map Scale - small version (7Mb mp4 file), large version (23Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Discover more about map scales and how to find out how far away something is from a known location.
1. How is 50 metres on the ground shown in a topographic map with a scale of 
   1: 50 000?
2. What is the difference between a 1:50 000 scale map and a 1:250 000 scale map?
3. What was the distance from where you are on the Port Hills to Quail Island?

Next step learning: Use a map of your local area and use the string method to find out how far away your home is from your school.

4. Grid References and Map Orientation - small version (9Mb mp4 file), large version (31Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
See how to use a map by orientating it correctly and find out about grid references.
1. Where are you in Christchurch during this video?
2. What are the coordinates for this location?
3. How do you orientate a map using a compass?

Next step learning: Find a map of your local area and find the grid reference for where you live.

5. Digital Maps and Apps - small version (4Mb mp4 file), large version (12Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Investigate map applications and how they use geospatial data to help us in everyday life.
1. How do digital devices find location?
2. How does GPS work?
3. What might be a problem with relying on digital devices to find out where you are?

Next step learning: Search for your own map apps and try them out.

Thursday 30 May

1. Land Elevation - small version (11Mb mp4 file), large version (37Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Hike up to the top of Sugarloaf on the Port Hills and find out how land elevation is measured and why it is important to know.
1. What is the height of Sugarloaf?
2. What are contour lines and at what intervals are they drawn?
3. Why is it important to know the exact height or elevation of land and how might this have changed in Christchurch?

Next step learning: Look at a map of your local area and identify the highest and lowest points.

2. Tide Gauges - small version (7Mb mp4 file), large version (22Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Find the tide gauge at Lyttelton Port and discover how it works.
1. What is mean sea level?
2. What is a tide gauge?
3. How was the tide gauge affected by the earthquakes?

Next step learning: When would you need to know about what the tide is and how would you find this information.

3. Nautical Charts - small version (11Mb mp4 file), large version (37Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Meet Jen Ryan, a nautical cartographer and see how nautical charts are made.
1. What was done to ensure Lyttelton Port could still operate after the earthquakes?
2. What navigational aids help mariners navigate?
3. What does a nautical chart show?

Next step learning: What other technology can be used to help people navigate at sea?

4. Surveying - small version (7Mb mp4 file), large version (23Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Join Paula at a geodetic survey mark in Lyttelton to see how it is used to measure the height of certain points.
1. What is a geodetic survey mark?
2. What equipment is used to measure levels from a mark?
3. Why are two sets of measurements shown in the diagram?

Next step learning: What other situations can you think of where it is important to know exact land levels.

5. Field Trip Summary - small version (6Mb mp4 file), large version (19Mb mp4 file). Watch on Vimeo.
Take some time to reflect on the Geospatial field trip and what you have learnt this week.
1. What was your favourite part of the field trip and why?
2. Which expert would you like to interview and what would you ask them?
3. Help your teacher to fill in the online evaluation for this field trip.

Next step learning: If you have extra questions put them on the Ask-an-Expert web board.