Where the imagery comes from
Official sources, transparent attribution
ChangingMaps uses only official, publicly available geospatial data from authoritative New Zealand sources. We don't invent imagery or manipulate data—we aggregate and present existing public datasets so you can explore how places across New Zealand have changed over time with confidence.
Our primary source is Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), which maintains the most comprehensive aerial imagery archive for the country. We also integrate imagery from local council geospatial data portals and regional archives where they provide additional historical coverage or higher resolution for specific areas. Every image displayed on ChangingMaps is labeled with its source agency, the year or date it was captured, the geographic coverage area, and a direct attribution line.
This approach matters for three reasons. First, official sources are accurate and legally vetted—you're seeing imagery that has been professionally archived and georeferenced, not random internet photos. Second, using public data supports the principle that government-funded geospatial information should be freely accessible to researchers, planners, historians, and curious residents. Third, transparent attribution means you can always trace an image back to its original source and understand its context.
Every image is attributed with its source, year, and coverage area.
It's important to understand that historical imagery coverage is not uniform across New Zealand. Some regions have continuous aerial photography dating back to the 1980s or 1990s; others have sparse coverage until the 2000s. Different councils archive imagery on different schedules, and some areas have never been photographed from the air at a resolution suitable for detailed comparison. This isn't a limitation of ChangingMaps—it's a reality of how geospatial data has been collected and preserved across the country.
When you search a location, ChangingMaps shows you exactly which years are available for that area. If historical imagery doesn't exist for a place you're interested in, we say so clearly rather than pretending data we don't have. If you'd like to suggest locations for future coverage or have questions about a specific dataset, the Feedback page is where your input helps shape what we add next.
What Years Are Available?
Historical imagery coverage varies across New Zealand. Some regions have decades of aerial photography; others have limited historical records. Here's what you should know about temporal coverage and how to find what's available for your location.
What is the oldest imagery available?
Most regions have aerial imagery from the 2000s onward. Some areas—particularly around major cities and regions with longer archival programs—have imagery dating back to the 1980s or 1990s. Coverage depends on when each council or regional authority began systematic aerial photography programs. Check what's available for a specific location by searching it in the map tool.
Why don't all locations have the same years?
Different councils and regions archive imagery at different intervals and have varying budgets for aerial survey work. Some areas have annual or biennial coverage; others may have gaps of several years between captures. This is a reflection of how public geospatial data is collected and managed across New Zealand—not all regions have equal resources or priorities for historical archiving.
How often is imagery updated?
New imagery is added to ChangingMaps as councils and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) release updated datasets. This happens irregularly—sometimes annually, sometimes with longer gaps. We monitor public data releases and integrate new imagery when it becomes available. The aerial imagery timeline new zealand landscape is always evolving as more historical records are digitized and published.
Can I request imagery from a specific year?
Yes. If you're looking for imagery from a particular year that isn't currently available, use the feedback page to submit a request. We track location and year suggestions to guide what data we prioritize next. Community input directly shapes what gets added to the platform.
How do I know what years are available for my location?
Search your location in the map tool and you'll see exactly which years have imagery available. The year selector displays only the years with actual data for that place—no guessing required. If a location has limited or no historical coverage, the tool will tell you clearly.
What about coverage gaps?
Some locations have coverage gaps—years where imagery wasn't captured or hasn't been digitized yet. This is normal and reflects the reality of historical geospatial data. Rather than pretending data exists when it doesn't, ChangingMaps shows you what's actually available and acknowledges where gaps occur. If you spot a location with poor coverage, let us know via feedback.
Data Quality and Limitations
Historical aerial imagery comes with inherent constraints. We're transparent about what you're seeing so you can use ChangingMaps with confidence and understand what the data can and cannot tell you.
- Resolution varies: Older imagery may have lower clarity than recent imagery. Zoom level and source determine what you can see.
- Seasonal factors: Vegetation, lighting, and weather affect comparisons. The same location in summer and winter looks different.
- Cloud cover: Historical imagery may include cloud or shadow. We show what's available, not always what's ideal.
- Georeferencing: Slight spatial shifts may occur between years. Images are aligned to the best available reference data.
- Coverage gaps: Some locations lack historical imagery. We show you exactly what years are available for each place.
- Continuous improvement: If you spot an error or have questions about specific imagery, report it via feedback.