Topo50 map series now used in SMART

SMART (the Register of Radio Frequencies) is now using the new, official topographical map series, Topo50.

The Topo50 map series has been developed to be compatible with international mapping systems and modern navigational technologies such as GPS. As a result, the Topo50 maps use different coordinates (latitudes and longitudes) of points to previous official maps.

More information can be found on Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) Topo50 website, including why the change was made, useful links and how to update your GPS unit.

What’s different in SMART?

By default, all locations in SMART will now show the map, easting and northing in Topo50 format. If a location does not have a Topo50 grid reference, SMART will show the next geographic reference type in priority order from the list below:

• TOPO50 - New Zealand topographic map series
• NZTM2000 - New Zealand Transverse Mercator 2000
• LAT/LONG (NZGD2000/WGS84) - New Zealand Geodetic Datum 2000
• NZMS260 (METRIC) – previous New Zealand topographic map series
• NZMG (LONG REF) – New Zealand Map Grid
• LAT/LONG (NZGD1949) - New Zealand Geodetic Datum 1949

If you require a different geographic reference type from Topo50 to be your default when viewing locations in SMART, after you logon to SMART you will be able to change the default setting. More information on how you can do this can be found in this SMART tip.

A New Zealand Grid Reference Converter is also available in SMART for all users. You can find it in the Reference Data > Tools > NZ Grid Reference Converter menu. You will be able to convert between any of the geographic reference types above.