The spatial information sector has penetrated most sectors of the Australian economy and has been an important contributor to economic growth. In 2007 ACIL Tasman estimated that the spatial information industry had contributed between $6.4 billion and $12.6 billion to Australia’s GDP. Recent research leads us to believe that the contribution has increased significantly since 2007.

There are many examples of applications of spatial information that are transforming the way governments and businesses manage their affairs. Government applications include: biosecurity; national security; natural resources management; emergency management; geoscience; water resources planning and management; and the management of the consequences of climate change. Business applications can be found in: facilities management; planning and construction; forestry fisheries and agriculture; transport; logistics; property; and retail. Consumer applications are also increasing dramatically. GPS in car navigation, social networking and web based mapping tools are only the start of what is expected to become mainstream consumer applications in the near future.

Government has a major contribution to make to the successful evolution of spatial information systems and applications. Information collected by governments is the foundation of the spatial information sector. Cadastral data, statistics, mapping, bathymetry, geology, research, infrastructure and geographic data generally provide the base data on which applications are being developed.

The challenge for government, business and researchers is to facilitate access and use of this data. Development of a spatial data infrastructure has been on the agenda of governments for many years. The recent proposal by ANZLIC to develop the underlying framework for an ‘Australian Spatial Market Place’ is an important step forward in realising the vision of providing seamless access to existing and new users of spatial resources. The CRC Spatial and universities provide a second component - innovation. Further innovation and product development by business is the third component. Partnership between government, the research community and industry is fundamental to a successful way forward for the spatial information sector.