Local company launches groundbreaking geospatial data solution
Moana Data Services (MDS) to meet growing demand for high-quality and affordable geospatial data in Fiji.
Saturday 09 August 2025 | 01:30
Aircraft outfitted with LiDAR technology and Imaging Sensors captures high quality geospatial data to benefit Fiji and Pacific Island governments and communities.
Jernese Macanawai
A locally led aerial mapping company launched a groundbreaking new initiative this week to equip resource owners, communities, and policymakers with critical data to design disaster-resilient and climate-resilient projects.
Kahuto Pacific founders Christopher Saili and Jonina Wetzell have introduced Moana Data Services (MDS) to meet the growing demand for high-quality and affordable geospatial data in Fiji.
They purchased an aircraft equipped with LiDAR technology and imaging sensors to conduct high-precision surveys of local terrain, capturing data that can be used in urban planning, flood modelling, road design, and disaster response.
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ADB investment manager, Frederik Helsingen, ADB project analyst, Kadia Lutubula, and Kahuto Pacific founders Jonina Wetzell and Christopher Saili.
Jernese Macanawai
On Wednesday, Kahuto Pacific unveiled the aircraft and initiative to guests, marking the first phase of aerial data capture that would cover 1,000 square kilometres across Fiji’s Central and Western divisions.
Interest in Moana Data Services has been promising so far with a number of projects already in the pipeline.
"We have Namosi landowners measuring their land to capture carbon, which is a really exciting project, because they're looking at alternatives to mining and generating income for landowners," said Mr Saili at the MDS launch in Nausori.
"Another one is a flood alleviation project. The digital elevation models that we'll be capturing in Suva will help with flood modelling and identifying risk areas for informal settlements impacted by future floods."
Kahuto Pacific co-founder Christopher Saili.
Jernese Macanawai
Backed by a US$200,000 (FJ$450,460) risk capital investment from the Asian Development Bank and expertise from Landpro in New Zealand, Moana Data Services aims to be a reliable and accessible data hub for local communities, the Fiji Government, and others.
"We don't want to create barriers to the data," Mr Saili said.
"We're going to open it up, give everyone a chance to have a look at it, and maybe offer a three-month trial to all the ministries."
Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj
