The University of Otago’s new Trimble Technology Lab is open — and it’s set to change how the next generation of surveyors learns their craft.
Announced in December 2025, the Trimble Technology Lab is the result of a partnership between global technology company Trimble and its New Zealand distributor AllTerra. On 26 January, a full suite of professional equipment was delivered to the University — followed by two days of hands-on training to get staff and students up to speed.
Students now have direct access to GNSS equipment, total stations, scanning technology, augmented reality tools, and field, office, and cloud software — the exact workflows used by industry professionals every day.
As Dean of the School of Surveying Professor Antoni Moore puts it: “This hands-on experience is critical in developing graduates who are confident, capable and ready to lead in their professions.”
For AllTerra, this goes beyond a business arrangement. With many team members being Otago alumni themselves, COO Paul Miller says the moment felt personal: “Seeing the technology ready for use is incredibly rewarding. We’re proud to help create an environment where students can learn using the latest technology and take that knowledge into the workplace.”
The Trimble Technology Lab reflects a growing commitment across industry and academia to close the gap between the classroom and the real world — and to ensure New Zealand’s surveying and geospatial sector continues to thrive.
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