Fog at Wellington Airport (file photo).
Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
There will be less disruption to flights during bad weather after two new satellite dishes were switched on, the land information minister says.
The two 11-metre satellite dishes are part of the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network – also known as SouthPAN – which improves GPS accuracy from five to 10 metres, down to less than a metre.
Minister Chris Penk said while New Zealanders use GPS daily for all manner of tasks, one of the most noticeable changes will be less disruption to flights in poor weather conditions, with the service making it safer for planes to land when visibility is poor.
“Only a few weeks ago winter weather conditions caused widespread flight cancellations, underscoring the need for modern digital infrastructure to support the safe movement of people, as well as goods and services.
“Improved GPS accuracy has far-reaching benefits for almost every major sector, from agriculture, to aviation, forestry, and construction. An independent report estimated SouthPAN will contribute $864 million to New Zealand’s economy over 20 years, through productivity enhancing and labour-saving applications, such as better resource management, more accurate maritime activities and real-time livestock monitoring through digital fencing tools.”
SouthPAN is a joint project between the New Zealand and Australian governments.
Penk said it would have far-reaching benefits for almost every major sector, from agriculture, to aviation, forestry, and construction.