Two AI-trained models for remote detection of vegetation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

1. Mature native forest detection: using Planet satellite imagery. Ready-to-run but does require human validation of results. Works best at catchment scale.

2. MVP regeneration detection: minimal viable product that detects young vegetation on Google Earth imagery, further R&D required.

Download:
Observer code from GitHub

Navigator (GIS) and Navigator X (browser-based) are mapping tools that help to locate the best places for reconstructing native ecosystems from scratch.

They utilise a heat-mapping approach and allow you to choose priorities (data layers) that align with your project goals. Navigator & Navigator X provide a robust, data-driven framework that could be adopted and applied to planning many kinds of environmental projects.
More about Navigator‍ + ‍Explore Navigator X for Waitaha / Canterbury

Download:
Navigator GIS from Koordinates (layers A01-A10)
Navigator GIS Engine from GitHub
Navigator X Engine from GitHub

Provides $NZD valuations for 23 possible ecosystem services from 33 different native ecosystems. Excellent for estimating and communicating the value of nature and improving the integrity of cost:benefit analyses.

Available for existing native ecosystems (source: LCDB v5) and those you’re considering reconstructing (source: potential natural vegetation map + wetlands).

More about Ecosystem Services Valuer.

Download:
Ecosystem Services Valuer for existing areas - GIS layers from Koordinates
Ecosystem Services Valuer for reconstruction areas - GIS layers from Koordinates
Ecosystem Services Valuer code from GitHub

Tidy, pragmatic sea-draining catchments layer.

Developed from the catchment layer out of the Freshwater Ecosystem of NZ catchment layer (hosted by MfE). We improved and simplified the boundaries for real-life applications.

96 catchments total, including some offshore islands. Included with Navigator.

Download:
Eco-index Catchments from Koordinates

Land Cover Snapshot includes:

- mature ecosystems
- regenerating ecosystems
- reconstruction opportunity (areas where reconstruction of native ecosystems is possible) 
- built-up & transport areas

Derived from LCDB v.5, it helps users to understand high-level land cover patterns

Included with Navigator

Download:
Land Cover Snapshot from Koordinates

For native biodiversity to thrive, we recommend that every native ecosystem in every catchment needs to cover at least 15% of it’s original land cover.

Once ecosystem cover drops below 15%, species loss speeds up dramatically and biodiversity management becomes very resource intensive. Read our full rationale for this 15% goal here.

The Ecosystem 15% Cover Goal layer shows areas that sit below the 15% goal. 

The Ecosystem Reconstruction Map provides specific targets for reconstruction of each native ecosystem, in every catchment, to reach this 15% goal.

Included with Navigator.

Download:
Ecosystem 15% Cover Goal from Koordinates

Indicates which and where native ecosystems are suitable for reconstruction at a landscape scale.

Answers the question: which ecosystems should I reconstruct in my area?

Built from the Potential Natural Vegetation of NZ map with improved delineation of different wetland types.

We recommend also consulting local experts to understand fine-scale patterns.

Included with Navigator. Can also be explored in the Ecosystem Reconstruction Map – with additional detail about each ecosystem type.

Download:
Ecosystem Projector from Koordinates

Reconstruction Costings helps users cost up different ecosystem reconstruction scenarios at a high level.

Provides one-time costs on a per-ha basis:
- Initial plantings
- Early care of plantings (first 3 years
- Fencing (select by area size and shape)

Maintenance Costings helps users cost up maintenance activities for existing ecosystems or those planned for reconstruction

Provides average costs on per-ha basis:
- Fence maintenance
- Non-native plant species management
- Non-native animal species management

Download:
Reconstruction Costings GIS layer from Koordinates
Maintenance Costings GIS layer from Koordinates
Reconstruction & Maintenance Costings code from GitHub

Live: Ecosystem Reconstruction Map

Visualises national datasets including:
- Ecosystem reconstruction priority levels and targets (based on 15% cover)
- Projected native ecosystems and corresponding information
- Estimated reconstructions costs (catchment scale)

Great for understanding catchment scale patterns & priorities.

Also available at Tūhono Taiao (priorities & costs only).

Live: Navigator X for Waitaha / Canterbury

2D & 3D ecosystem reconstruction prioritisation map for Waitaha / Canterbury.

Presented as a heat map where the brightest colours show the best bang-for-buck reconstruction options and prioritisation options that can be toggled on or off.

Contextual information is provided to help with interpretation, including Land Cover Snapshot and Ecosystem Projector.