Lots of things. Notably (someone please correct me if I’m wrong),
* Official map sizes are smaller (now a standard A1 size). This means each specific map will cover a smaller area, but the standardisation should mean cheaper production, and smaller size might be more convenient in some situations. (Some maps near coastal areas overlap, to ensure there’s a decent amount of land on every map.)
* The production process is changing. LINZ is (I think) now printing the maps in-house instead of sub-contracting it out. In the longer term they’re planning things like print-on-demand direct from the LINZ database. This should also mean better production consistency between neighbouring maps, which sometimes had differences such as different colour shadings, which depended on the publication dates.
* Grid references have completely changed, although it’s been done in such a way that a grid reference number will make it obvious as to which grid is being used… unless you’re somehow tramping in the open sea, of course.
* Latitudes/longitudes are based on a new geodetic datum which is more compatible with global systems and recent tech like GPS technology This also means lat/long coordinate positions on the maps shift by roughly 200 metres.
The old maps will still work, since obviously the physical terrain isn’t changing overnight. LINZ is trying to encourage as many people to switch as immediately as possible, however, so the old coordinate systems get phased out to reduce potential confusion. Search and Rescue will be completely operating on the new maps, and retailers have been asked to return any remaining stock within the next month (in exchange for a credit), and all the returned maps will be shredded.
Personally there’s no way I’m throwing out my old maps, and while they’ve still been available I’ve just been out to buy one to fill a gap in my collection, but general use of the old maps and old coordinates will probably be gone for the most part quite soon with the way it’s being organised.
Disclaimer — I’m not involved in this at all so take the above notes with a grain of salt. A few people in the club are likely to have a lot of first-hand knowledge, though.
