Manawatū District Council Launches New Open Data Portal to Enhance Web GIS Service
The move from a traditional GIS mapping service to a modern, interactive platform reflects MDC’s commitment to transparency and innovation.
Manawatū District Council (MDC) is proud to announce the launch of its Open Data Portal, a major upgrade to its Geographic Information System (GIS) services. As the demand for more accessible and comprehensive data grows, the new portal is designed to provide the public with streamlined, user-friendly access to the Council’s vast array of GIS datasets.
The move from a traditional GIS mapping service to a modern, interactive platform reflects MDC’s commitment to transparency and innovation. The new Open Data Portal is available through any common web browser, with no need for additional plug-ins or logins. This ensures that even the most frequently requested data sets are readily accessible to the public—anytime, anywhere.
The Open Data Portal allows users to quickly browse and download a wide range of spatial data, which is now updated more regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance. While the portal is especially useful for developers, surveyors, and planners, it also caters to individuals seeking personal property information or maps.
“One of the more common reasons a member of the public would download a dataset is to use it as a supplementary file for a building or land use consent,” explains Anthony Meads, MDC’s GIS Officer. “Although the information was previously available to view online, the open data portal eliminates the need to contact Council to download the dataset. Of course, the GIS team is still reachable for any enquiries regarding spatial information.”
By aligning MDC’s platform with Central Government policies and websites, the portal offers a seamless experience for users navigating between council and government services. Data is categorized by themes such as roading, property, the District Plan, and utilities, and the portal connects users to neighbouring councils and key agencies. It effectively serves as a one-stop shop for critical information, available even outside of regular Council office hours.
To explore the Open Data Portal and discover the new geo hub, visit: Maps | Manawatū District Council (mdc.govt.nz)