Helping local government get the most out of spatial data
23 August 2004
A new toolkit has been launched today by the Australian Local Government Association and ANZLIC - the Spatial Information Council of Australia and New Zealand. The toolkit is a practical document developed from the experience of a cross-section of local councils from around Australia.
The Local government spatial information management toolkit is essentially a teaching aid to help council staff compile, analyse and use spatial information to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of a broad range of functions including planning, rating, community services, natural resource management and engineering.
Councils are collectively large purchasers of spatial technologies and services, including geographic information systems, aerial and satellite imagery, asset location technologies and customer relationship management systems.
Spatial information enables councils to collect income through rates, create town-planning schemes, assess development applications, develop asset registers and manage infrastructure such as roads, sport facilities, bridges and buildings.
The toolkit explains how councils can maximise the return on investment in spatial information management. Ten modules cover issues such as:
- information management in local government
- data management principles based on practical experience
- spatial data priorities, standards and compliance
- guidelines for selecting spatial information systems
In addition, there is a concise guide for technical managers with check lists and case studies explaining how spatial information has already become integrated into the operation of many councils. It also describes the degree of interaction that occurs within councils and between local government, state/territory governments and Australian Government agencies.
The toolkit content recognises that while council functions are similar across the country, the specific challenges and resource base are different for each. The toolkit identifies a number of levels of potential capability, allows councils to choose their own level and then gives strategies on how to move to the desired level of capability to utilise spatial information systems.
The toolkit has been produced as part of an alliance between ALGA and ANZLIC to help build capacity in local government to implement integrated spatial information management solutions that meet local needs. Both bodies acknowledge the active participation of all local government associations and the councils that provided guidance in preparing the toolkit content.
