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Based in Southland · working across New Zealand

Place intelligence, grounded in the real world.

We help organisations understand what’s happening in a place — combining field measurement, sensors, UAV capture and geospatial analysis, then turning it into insights people can actually use.

Understanding how places change — and why it matters.

Our work sits at the intersection of people, place and data. Whether it is visitor movement, hazard exposure, or remote environments, we focus on building a clear picture of what is actually happening on the ground.

GIS spatial analysis, mapping and data products
IoT visitor counters, Wi-Fi probes and field systems
Risk hazard exposure, resilience and scenario modelling
Reports plain-English summaries backed by robust analysis

Selected insights.

Practical patterns we’ve measured and turned into decisions.

Minutes matter

In high-use visitor locations, exposure can swing by ~1,000 people within 5 minutes around peak periods. Timing, not just totals, drives both experience and risk.

Natural hazard to risk to decision making

We turn complex hazard and exposure data into simple, live tools so decision makers can quickly understand risk and act with confidence.

Making maps less static

Combining sensors, UAV and GIS brings maps to life, showing how places actually change over time rather than relying on a single snapshot.

Better data for conservation

Blending field monitoring with remote sensing helps build a more complete picture of how environments are used, supporting practical conservation decisions.

Our motivation

Built in Southland, designed for bigger questions.

We are driven by the transformative power of maps. Our work is about using geospatial data to see what is happening, understand why it matters, and support better decisions on the ground.

Proudly based in Southland, New Zealand.
Trusted by local government, primary industries, private companies and community organisations.
Focused on solving real-world challenges — not just selling technology.
Committed to clear, reliable outputs that make complex data useful.

What we do.

We bring together different forms of technology — sensors, UAVs, mapping and modelling — with practical analysis and reporting, so the output is not just data, but something people can act on.

01

Measuring what’s happening

Visitor counting, IoT sensors, UAV capture and field-based monitoring to build a reliable picture of real-world activity.

02

Making sense of it

Geospatial analysis, modelling and mapping to turn raw data into clear patterns, trends and spatial insight.

03

Understanding risk and exposure

Hazard and exposure analysis framed as part of the same system — understanding how people, assets and environments interact under change.

04

Capturing hard-to-reach places

Remote sensing and UAV workflows to observe and measure places that are otherwise difficult to access, monitor or quantify.

Why choose us

Built around decisions, not tools.

The focus is always on the decision being made. We use the right mix of technology — sensors, UAVs, mapping and modelling — but the outcome is always the priority.

Tailored geospatial solutions that support real decisions.
Community values of reliability, straight talking and follow-through.
Technical depth without losing the plain-English story.
A Southland base with experience across research, government, industry and remote places.

Small team. Clear focus.

Direct, practical and hands-on. You deal with the people doing the work.

Mat

PhD
Technical Lead and Director. Working across modelling, hazard and risk, and geospatial data to support real-world decision making.

Glenda

PGDipSci (Env Sci)
Operations Lead. Commercial skipper and field lead across remote environments, keeping work practical and on track.

Hamish

LLB
Legal and compliance, making sure projects are robust, defensible and fit for purpose.

Zeus

Kiwi Aversion Trained
Enjoys the beach. Occasionally contributes to field work.

Need to understand what’s happening in a place?

We work with councils, industry and research partners to build clear, defensible insight into how places function, change and respond — from Southland to the wider world.

© 2026 Black Dog Group Ltd
Southland, New Zealand · Geospatial, monitoring and risk analysis