Mā te Taiaho Matawai kia Whakahura Ngā Korero o Nehe – Laser Beam Scanning Technologies for Unlocking Landscape Narratives

Project Summary

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data can be used to make digital 3D representations of the Earth’s surface. Often this is combined with imagery to capture fine-scale mapping of landscapes. Algorithms are employed to distinguish vegetation cover from bare-terrain models, offering whānau/hapū/iwi the opportunity to unveil elements in the landscape not discernible through visual imagery alone. This also provides a digital reconnection to sites that whānau/hapū/iwi may not be able to access physically. 

This research is exploring how hapū/iwi can utilise geospatial technologies like LiDAR to identify, connect-with, and enrich the management of, culturally significant sites. Critical to this project is wānanga to socialise the technology and ensure IP sharing arrangements are agreed. 

The project is utilising geospatial modelling of sites combined with Ngā Wāhi Tūturu narratives for whānau use, incorporating mātauranga, memories of tūpuna and customary practices alongside visual representations of these sites and landscapes. Meaningful engagement and strong relationships are vital for the success of this project. A fieldtrip for ground-truthing enables broader whānau kōrero on the sites whilst validating outputs. 

Additionally, ensuring that Raukawa kaimahi/kaitiaki have developed skills to utilise GIS and the LiDAR data products is essential for research impact.