LINZ Launches App To Report Sea Hazards

Media Statement

Wednesday, 26 June, 2013

LINZ Launches App To Report Sea Hazards

A new smartphone app that streamlines the reporting process for hazards at sea is now available for download thanks to a collaboration between IT company Datacom and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

‘Hydrographic Notes’ – or ‘HNotes’ – allows users to photograph hazards at sea, note the location, and send the information to the New Zealand Hydrographic Authority (NZHA) at LINZ to be reported to the maritime community.

NZHA Manager Andrea McDonald is excited about the product, and the flexibility that it offers to mariners.

“We encourage mariners to report hazards, and issues with charts or navigation, to the NZHA.  However this is currently a manual process – limited by the need for mariners to return to land to report hazards either online, or by fax or phone.

“But ‘HNotes’ streamlines this process by giving mariners the ability to record hazards while they’re still faced with them – while they’re in the moment – and then report them to the NZHA.”

Developed by Datacom in consultation with the NZHA, ‘HNotes’ is the first cab off the rank in a number of planned LINZ smartphone applications.

“Smartphones are increasingly commonplace these days, and it seems sensible to take advantage of this.  The application is free, and is available for both Apple and Android devices.”

‘HNotes’ is suitable for iPhone, iPad, and for Android devices on the Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and above.  It can be downloaded, free of charge, from the Google Play or iTunes store.

ENDS

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