This report presents a nationally consistent assessment of New Zealand’s Land Use Capability (LUC) Classes 1–4 derived from S-map soil data and contemporary terrain information. It demonstrates how modern spatial datasets can be used to produce a transparent and repeatable estimate of land use capability thereby informing planning, policy, and investment decisions. The findings and recommendations provide a foundation for the future evolution of New Zealand’s land resource information system and a more contemporary evidence base for land-use decision-making.
This report presents a nationally consistent assessment of New Zealand’s Land Use Capability (LUC) Classes 1–4 derived from S-map soil data and contemporary terrain information. It demonstrates how modern spatial datasets can be used to produce a transparent and repeatable estimate of land use capability thereby informing planning, policy, and investment decisions. The findings and recommendations provide a foundation for the future evolution of New Zealand’s land resource information system and a more contemporary evidence base for land-use decision-making.