What is spatial information?
Spatial information (also known as ‘geospatial information’) is data linked to specific locations on the Earth’s surface. It helps describe the position and shape of natural and built features like roads, rivers, and buildings, and is used for mapping, planning, and analysis across many sectors.
The spatial sector is critical to the economy. Few, if any, industry sectors are not using spatial technologies in their operations. Spatial information supports critical activities including biosecurity and emergency management; defence; environmental and natural resource management; planning and property development approvals; all forms of primary industry; space, air, sea, and land transport; aspects of the retail sector; finance and insurance; many forms of health, education, and community services; and virtually all aspects of public administration.
Geospatial information is at the heart of big data, and it is considered that about 80% of the world’s information can be depicted and or analysed spatially.
Every one of us uses geospatial information and services on a daily basis to help make our lives easier as illustrated below.
Source: Geospatial Council of Australia (2024), 'Graphic showing the economic impact of geospatial services in Australia'.
In Tasmania, spatial information supports a wide range of industry sectors, including land titling, emergency management, forest monitoring, and marine conservation. It’s also used in land use planning, precision agriculture, and managing infrastructure in both urban and remote areas.
For examples of spatial information being used in Tasmania, please see our Case Studies.
Tasmania’s spatial data infrastructure (the LIST)
The LIST (Land Information System Tasmania) is Tasmania’s comprehensive online platform for integrated land and property information, managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. It serves a wide range of users—from real estate agents and surveyors to planners, farmers, emergency services, and the general public—providing access to authoritative data and mapping tools.
The LIST is accessible with free registration, and for most spatial data and services, at no cost.
Value to the economy
The 2024 “Value of geospatial information” study released by the Geospatial Council of Australia highlights the value that spatial information services contribute to our economy. In 2023-24, the impact of spatial information contributed $39 billion to the Australian economy. Ten years later, in 2033-34, this is projected to be up to $82 billion, adding 22,000 FTEs to the workforce.
Economic impact of geospatial services in Australia 2024 (PDF 5Mb)
In Tasmania, the impact of spatial information to the Gross State Product was $600 million in 2023-24 and is projected to be up to $1,213 million in 2033-34 with a favourable operating environment.
The diagram below also illustrates how maximising the adoption of spatial information in Tasmania will have a net positive effect on GSP of around $1.2 billion by 2033-34. TASSIC is instrumental in promoting adoption and thus maximising the economic benefits.
Source: Geospatial Council of Australia (2024), “Economic impact of geospatial services in Australia”.
Source: Geospatial Council of Australia (2024), 'Graphic showing the economic impact of geospatial services in Australia'.