Earthquake in New Zealand, February 2011

Release of "Global Map Around Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand"

1. Release of this map

As a result of the earthquake (Magnitude 6.3) which hit areas around Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand at 12:51 p. m. (Japan time: 8:51 a. m.) on 22 February 2011 with huge damage, Global Map of New Zealand for around Christchurch, South Island is released. The maps show landform and land use around the epicenter.

These maps were produced by using Global Map data:

2.Use of this map

The map is freely available for non-commercial purposes.

3.Global Mapping Project

Global Mapping project is an endeavor advocated by the Ministry of Construction (present Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport) in 1992 to develop a digital map (Global Map) covering the whole globe to accurately express the status of global environment, implemented in international cooperation of respective National Mapping Organizations (NMOs) of the world. The Global Map can be used for studying global environmental problems, etc.


The Global Map data development is underway steered by the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM). The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) serves as the ISCGM Secretariat which takes a central role of the project management. The GSI also provides developing countries with necessary technologies.


The details of the project are shown at the following websites.