AllTerra Partners with Trimble and University of Otago to Launch New Technology Lab

Supporting the Next Generation of New Zealand Surveyors

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between AllTerra, Trimble, and the University of Otago that will shape the future of geospatial education in New Zealand.

A Purpose-Built Facility for Cutting-Edge Learning

The University of Otago’s School of Surveying is preparing for a significant move in 2026 to the newly refurbished Ōwheo building, where a state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Lab (TTL) will be established. This purpose-designed space will provide students and researchers with access to the latest geospatial technology and industry expertise.

What the Lab Will Offer

The Trimble Technology Lab will feature an impressive array of industry-leading equipment and software:

34 computer stations equipped with Trimble Business Center, Trimble RealWorks, and Trimble Connect
Robotic total stations for precision surveying
GNSS receivers for accurate positioning
Data controllers for field operations
Laser scanners for 3D capture and analysis

This technology represents the current standard in professional surveying and geospatial work, ensuring students graduate with hands-on experience using the same tools they’ll encounter in their careers.

AllTerra’s Role

As Trimble’s regional geospatial dealer, AllTerra will play a crucial support role in this partnership. Our team will be responsible for:

Commissioning all technology and equipment in the lab
Providing ongoing technical support to faculty and students
Helping optimise the use of hardware, software, and cloud solutions
Connecting the university more closely with the geospatial industry

Our involvement ensures that students and staff have local, expert support as they explore and master these advanced tools.

Why This Partnership Matters

The University of Otago’s School of Surveying has a proud history as the training ground for many of New Zealand’s professional surveyors. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our relationship with the university and reinforces our commitment to the surveying profession.

By supporting education at this level, we’re investing in the future of the geospatial industry in New Zealand. Students who gain experience with Trimble technology and AllTerra support during their studies will be better prepared to tackle real-world challenges when they enter the workforce.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson emphasised the significance of this collaboration: “Trimble’s generous support in providing the resources to create the Lab will place Otago at the forefront of surveying and computing education.”

Looking Ahead

The Trimble Technology Lab is scheduled to open in 2026 when the School of Surveying and School of Computing co-locate to the Ōwheo building. We’re excited to be part of this journey and look forward to seeing the innovative work that will emerge from this collaboration.

This partnership exemplifies the kind of industry-education collaboration that strengthens our entire sector. By working together, we can ensure that New Zealand continues to produce world-class surveyors equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead the profession forward.