Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (Linz) will survey the waters around Blueskin Bay, Heyward Point, Taiaroa Head and Cape Saunders as part of its work updating New Zealand’s nautical charts.
Linz senior hydrographic surveyor Bradley Cooper said the Otago area was last surveyed in the 1950s and 1980s, and this would be the first time modern equipment would be used to collect high-resolution data.
The survey would use multi-beam echo-sounders mounted on a boat that would slowly criss-cross an area, to build detailed 3D images of the sea floor.
It was hoped the equipment would be able to identify previously unknown features like reefs, shoals and wrecks, and would recheck the depths of known objects.
"Every area of New Zealand waters we survey helps ensure Kiwis and shipping companies have the latest information to safely navigate our waters."
The data collected during the Otago survey would also assist in planning for natural events like tsunami, in marine resource management and scientific research.
"This data will help us understand the shape and type of the sea floor, which is really useful for researchers and planners."
While locals would be able to see the vessel charting back and forth off the coast, he said there would also be an opportunity for the public to "virtually step aboard the boat" and learn more about the survey, during a free seminar at noon on Thursday.
The University of Otago School of Surveying was hosting the seminar, and people could attend or join remotely, to find out more about hydrographic surveying.
"As part of the seminar, we’ll be dialling in to the boat while it’s out on the water so attendees will be able to get up close and personal with the survey action," he said.
The survey is expected to be completed by the end of July, and the 3D models will be published on the Linz Data Service website and with updated nautical charts before the end of 2025.
