AMDS network model

The development of the network model is the next phase of the Asset Management Data Standard (AMDS) work programme.

In partnership with the sector, we are creating a living centreline to provide a single source of truth to enable better planning and management of Aotearoa New Zealand’s transport networks.

At its simplest, the network model is a direct replacement of a Road Controlling Authority (RCAs) current road centreline, updated with a basic understanding of where vehicles can travel, as well as pedestrians, cyclists, other micro-mobility (for example scooters and wheelchairs), and public transport users.

The network definition is the backbone to the AMDS and critical to the management, analysis and reporting of land transport assets. This definition underpins the standard and is foundational to pulling the performance and associated asset data together.

The network model represents a significant step in supporting digital engineering across the transport sector and will open the door to exciting insights and understanding of performance. With a shared network model to support our evidence-based decision making and digital tools, we will be better placed to achieve the vision of moving Aotearoa forward – together, seamlessly, safely, and sustainably.

What the network model provides

The network model will visualise a range of data on a map, including:

• direction of flow
• modes of flow
• route planning
• navigation
• asset location
• restrictions.

The network model will include the following modes:

• cycling
• walking
• micro mobility (scooter and wheelchair)
• small vehicle (car)
• bus
• freight
• rail
• ferry.

 The multi modal network model will be:

• open source, published on the Waka Kotahi open data portal
• free to access and consume without fees or restricted use
• built on existing open-source data sets
• designed to support planning, management, analysis and reporting of land transport assets
• designed to work within the current digital environment without introducing new technology requirements
• be managed and maintained by Waka Kotahi and RCAs.

Sector benefits

Benefits of a network model include:

• first coherent network model for Aotearoa New Zealand
• cross-boundary planning enabled
• data and model can be accessed by the sector without restrictions
• future planned networks can be visualised (where data exists)
• consistent foundation for other data to be overlayed, for example One Network Framework (ONF) classification, network and performance, and level of services
• consistent analysis and reports – same base data
• can understand customer journeys by mode
• can visualise the roading infrastructure used by public transport providers.

Development approach and timeline

The network model project is being delivered using Agile methodology, in two-week Sprint phases, and with direction shaped by fortnightly feedback from our subject matter experts.

The project started in early June 2023, leveraging the development work carried out over the previous few years. The team are nearing completion of the base model framework – essentially building the house that the data will live in. 

Waka Kotahi state highways will be the first RCA to have their data ingested, with the aim to have this completed by December 2023 before moving into local authority data ingestion from early 2024.

The timeline has the full implementation completed and live by the end of 2025.

Project and engagement timeline

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Network model implementation

We have begun working with RCAs to refine our implementation approach, planned timings for consuming their data, and discussing data sharing considerations. After those initial discussions, we are proposing to split RCAs into 12 groups to work with us from February 2024 through to June 2025. Below are the proposed groupings for working with RCAs to consume their data.

We will work in collaboration with each RCA to schedule their implementation. When we meet with each RCA in September, we will discuss implementation in more detail. 

RCAs already collect the data that will be used to populate the model, therefore, there won’t be a large investment from RCAs in data gathering to get their implementation underway. Our project team will do the ‘heavy lifting’ to define the scope and purpose of what data is needed as part of implementation, however, RCAs will need to support the project by making key decisions about their data during their implementation to ensure the model is useful.

Implementation timeline

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