The QMAP 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand project

In 1994 the QMAP 1:250 000 Geological Map of New Zealand project began with compilation of the Dunedin sheet. Nearly 18 years later, publication of the Hawke's Bay sheet marks the completion of all 21 maps. The adoption of geographic information systems (GIS) software for data capture, data management and map production has not only produced high cartographic quality maps, but also built the attribute-rich, nationally consistent QMAP GIS spatial database. The project cost about NZD $24M, and the results are now being used by government, industry and research organisations across infrastructure, geological hazard, resource and environmental areas. QMAP has added significantly to general knowledge of New Zealand's geological composition and history due to new discoveries and validation of concepts. Notable advances include work on the allochthons of Northland and East Coast; rationalisation of the Taupo Volcanic Zone and East Coast stratigraphic successions; differentiation of the Torlesse basement terranes; clarification of the transition from Otago Schist to Alpine Schist; determining the complex spatial and temporal history of igneous intrusions in Fiordland and Stewart Island; and mapping Quaternary sediments by oxygen isotope stage and depositional processes.