The New Zealand Government will fund an expansion of lidar topographical mapping in rural areas.

Lidar is a remote laser mapping technique allowing precise measurements of the land. The data is then used to create sophisticated 3D models.

The maps, which will be available to insurers, will help local authorities better understand the impacts of severe weather, climate change, sea level rises and erosion, and make better decisions about risk management and land use.

Insurance Council of New Zealand CEO Tim Grafton told insuranceNEWS.com.au better risk data will help insurers gauge natural disaster risk and pricing. It will also help people decide which risks they are prepared to accept and which they want to transfer to insurers.