NZ Transport Agency

‘Geospatial’ – the understanding, use and integration of physical assets - is becoming the new measurement of business efficiency. Traditionally ‘GIS’ has stood alone somewhere within IT. Extensive use of geospatial data throughout all business is a relatively new vision.  

This is the core vision for Splice Group Ltd, a team with considerable GIS/IT experience and passion for the clever and creative use of geospatial data for all industry. It was also a crucial topic for future operations at the New Zealand Transport Authority, about to embark on an intense review of GIS capability.

Manu King, Business Intelligence and Geospatial Manager, describes the environment prior to review. “Demand had exceeded supply – we simply couldn’t meet business objectives from current resources.” NZTA’s Spatial Planning GIS Capability Project was created to address this situation.

A critical component for success was Project Management - and NZTA knew they needed expert leadership. A referral led them to Splice Group, an organisation with the ideal skills NZTA required. “We needed expertise and guidance, we didn’t have it internally. What we were doing was different from what had been done prior. GIS has to be an integral part of both business and IS. That’s what Splice offered me - a fresh look at geospatial.”

The ability of Splice to present a range of expertise and resources was also paramount. “Splice offered a solution, not just a person. I didn’t have to choose between Project Management and GIS - they gave me both.”

Splice Project Managers (PRINCE2) are well-experienced at the art of entering a client environment, making clear assessment and taking appropriate leadership. Manu describes Splice’s Client Care as “authentic”, and spoke warmly of his working relationship with Splice Director, Richard Redman. “Richard is accommodating and flexible, yet can be a hard task manager when needed. His attention to detail and wanting it right was great.”

The same positive reaction was evident throughout all of NZTA. Richard reports on what Splice encountered throughout regional offices. “We interviewed the entire business to understand geospatial requirements - this involved 180 people throughout New Zealand. The GIS Capability Project has created new enthusiasm for geospatial. They can see how it will help them be efficient and provide evidence-based decision making.”

A project must be measured by its ability to meet objectives. The Spatial Planning GIS Capability Project received unequivocal sign-off at Board level - largely accredited to the quality of work provided by Splice, who delivered on time and on budget. Describing the NZTA / Splice relationship as a partnership, Manu King views Splice Project Managers as “visible and articulate champions of GIS.”

The future is bright for NZTA. ”There’s been a mind shift - you can feel it. This project is going to completely change what we do, the questions we ask; it will lead to innovation everywhere. Geospatial is now part of delivering business intelligence solutions.”

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