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New Zealand American Fiordland Expedition, 1949 Inspired by the efforts of Colonel J. K. Howard, representing the Museum of Comparative Zoology, of Harvard University, Boston, United States of America, a combined New Zealand - American scientific expedition entered the area of fiordland in the George Sound and Caswell Sound area. Simultaneous with the initial planning of the above expedition, a request was made to the Lands and Survey Department by the State Hydro-electric Department for accurate topographical information of a large portion of the identical area with which the scientific parties were concerned, and it was decided that a survey party accompany the expedition to map the area. In addition to the primary object of supplying a topographic map to the State Hydro-electric Department, this map will also serve as the best possible reference to supplement the reports, of the scientific parties. A special report on survey operations of this party will be published later. ♦ HEAD OFFICE As the Department is now the Service and civil mapping agency in New Zealand, the cartographic branches at Head Office have been reorganized to carry out the preparation and distribution of topographical maps, aeronautical charts, index and Service maps, in addition to civil map requirements. This programme has necessitated an increase in staff and the provision of extra accommodation. Arrangements are being made to recruit staff in the United Kingdom, and it is expected that some draughtsmen will arrive during 1949. Draughting Branch During the year it has not been possible to meet in full all the demands made upon the draughting staff, but every endeavour has been made to fulfil the most urgent requirements. A start has been made in revising many of our basic drawings, and this work will be accelerated as further staff becomes available and the many calls from other Departments for special drawings are reduced. (a) Aeronautical Charts 1. Approach and Landing Charts.—Thirteen approach and landing charts showing instrument let-down procedures were published during the year and an additional thirty-five charts are in various stages of preparation. _2. Radio Facility and Services Charts. —A start has been made in preparing radio facility and Service charts and seventeen charts are in various stages of preparation. 3 .Aeronautical Charts, 1.C.A.0. 1 :500,000.—The present published aviation strip map of the Dominion (8 miles to 1 in.) will in the near future be superseded by a new series designed to conform to 1.C.A.0. specifications and published on a scale of 1 : 500,000. There will be seven sheets in the series and four sheets are in course of preparation. It is hoped to publish the complete series by the end of 1950. 4. Aeronautical Plotting Charts, 1.C.A.0. 1 :3,000,000. —A series of five outline plotting charts for air navigation use in the New Zealand - Australia - Pacific area was started during the year. Two charts have been published and a third chart is in preparation.

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