Business
27 April 2025
Blackmaps geospatial is a leading provider of geospatial solutions within the aviation industry
In just over a year, Christchurch-based startup BlackMaps Geospatial has rapidly established itself as a leading provider of geospatial solutions within the aviation industry. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Blackmaps is poised to transform the future of aerospace, both in Ōtautahi Christchurch and globally.
The company, co-founded by Bevan Lewell and Maksym Khovalko, has quickly found a niche in the rapidly evolving field of geospatial technology. The story behind the company’s rise began with an aviation-focused challenge designed to spark innovation – and a piece of iPhone footage filmed by Dame Jacinda Ardern.
"The Christchurch Aerospace Challenge was the starting point for us, but the turning point came when Maksym watched a video that Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shot of the Ashburton floods from the back of a NZDF helicopter using an iPhone," says Bevan.
The two were inspired by the footage and set out to turn it into a geospatially accurate map of the flood-affected area. They quickly realised the potential for geospatial technology to address real-world problems.
"The technology exists; it’s about combining the right people, accurate data, and expertise to solve these challenges," Bevan explains.
At its heart, blackmaps geospatial is dedicated to making vital geospatial data – including high-resolution maps, aerial surveys, and geographic information systems (GIS) – more accessible and user-friendly. The company specialises in delivering accurate and relevant geospatial information that helps clients make better-informed decisions, whether in aviation, urban planning, or environmental monitoring.
One of the key aspects of blackmaps’ approach is their innovative subscription-based model. This fixed-cost structure ensures transparency for clients, such as airports and city planners, who need reliable geospatial data without worrying about hidden fees or complicated pricing schemes.
Providing a wide range of tailored services to the aviation sector blackmaps is helping airports, airfields, and aviation authorities operate with greater efficiency and safety. Their services include:
Aerial Imagery: High-resolution images for a wide range of applications, including mapping, surveying, and analysis.
Obstacle Surveys: Detailed surveys to identify potential hazards for aviation, ensuring that airports and runways meet safety standards.
Airport Lighting Inspections: Comprehensive inspections to assess airport lighting systems and ensure they comply with regulatory requirements.
“I was working as a consultant in the drone industry, while Maksym was leading a drone team at a surveying company,” explains Bevan. Their paths first crossed at the annual New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch, where the idea for Blackmaps was sparked over a beer.
While their initial focus was on emergency response, the duo quickly realised that a more sustainable business model was needed. “We needed to generate revenue regularly,” says Maksym. This led them to shift gears and focus on practical solutions for everyday applications, such as mapping for environmental monitoring and urban development.
“Winning the Christchurch Aerospace Challenge 2022 was the kick in the pants we needed,” Bevan adds. The event showcased emerging aerospace talent across New Zealand, particularly those working in aerial imagery technologies. Awarded a $30,000 prize and contract with the Christchurch City Council, their first project was a partnership with Smart Christchurch to deliver 43 square kilometres of aerial imagery for the Ōtakaro Avon River red zone development.
“This allowed us to create a 3D reality mesh of the CBD,” explains Bevan. “We wanted to take it a step further, so we added a 360-degree camera to our setup and gathered over 6,000 images from both the air and the ground.”Bevan Lewell - Co-Founder, blackmaps geospatial
The resulting imagery has already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times on Mapillary and Google Street View.
The Ōtakaro Avon River project was a game-changer for Blackmaps. “Delivering a complete aerodrome obstacle service to Hokitika Airport was another big milestone for us,” says Maksym.
Now, the company's reputation precedes them. “We barely need to market ourselves anymore; word is spreading among airports about the quality of our work.”
Blackmaps employs a cutting-edge mapping system that combines drones and traditional aircraft to collect high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data. This approach allows them to take on projects of any scale, maximising both efficiency and accuracy.
The company also focuses on making their data open and easily accessible, removing unnecessary barriers for clients to access the information they need
Blackmaps is now setting its sights on solving airspace management challenges in New Zealand. “We want to create a clearer view of the airspace around airports,” Maksym says. This will help airport operators and planners make more informed decisions. The company is also looking to expand internationally, with opportunities in Fiji, Vanuatu, and Australia. “We want to become the leading provider of geospatial solutions in aviation,” he adds.
As the aviation industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, Blackmaps is dedicated to helping clients reduce their carbon footprints. “We’re exploring how drones can be used for aerodrome assessments, helping to cut down emissions,” Bevan says.
Collaboration with organisations like Smart Christchurch has played a pivotal role in Blackmaps' success. “Being part of a supportive ecosystem has made a huge difference,” Bevan says. Christchurch has a strong sense of community, particularly within the aerospace sector, where national body Aerospace New Zealand leads the charge. “Aerospace can often seem like something reserved for rocket scientists and astronauts, but they’re bringing it back to the grassroots level and making it accessible for everyone.”
This collaborative environment is a huge advantage for startups. “If you're missing a piece of equipment or expertise, there’s always someone in the community who can help out,” Bevan adds.
“We’ve got fantastic facilities here, like the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre. Plus, there are so many exciting projects happening, with companies like Dawn Aerospace developing sustainable and scalable spaceplanes.”Bevan Lewell - Co-Founder, blackmaps geospatial
For young professionals considering relocating, Christchurch offers a unique opportunity. “The city is growing rapidly and has a vibrant startup scene. It’s also more affordable compared to other cities, with a fantastic quality of life,” Bevan says.
He believes Christchurch's collaborative spirit is what truly sets it apart. “It’s big enough to have great resources but small enough that everyone knows each other.”
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