After a year of significant growth for spatial technology into new sectors such as financial services and law enforcement, two of the industry’s biggest proponents have renewed their industry partnership – to ensure more Australian organisations can realise the benefits of geographic analysis and insight.
The Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) has extended their National Titanium Sustaining Partnership with Esri Australia – the market leaders of Australia’s $2.1 billion Geographic Information System (GIS) technology – through to June 2014.
Esri Australia Managing Director Brett Bundock said the renewed partnership capped off a year of significant growth for the industry, which has seen the use of GIS technology in the wider business community broaden.
“There has been a paradigm shift in the way the world works with maps – and no longer do GIS capabilities rest solely inside dedicated GIS or IT departments,” said Mr Bundock.
“A growing appetite for spatial capabilities has seen more organisations integrate GIS technology into their core business systems – such as SAP, Microsoft Office and IBM Cognos.
“As such, we are welcoming a new wave of users to the spatial sector – who may not have any GIS knowledge or experience.
“It’s important we support this growing user base by raising their awareness of spatial capabilities – so they understand the value of GIS extends far beyond just ‘dots on a map’.
“To this end, our ongoing partnership with SSSI will see us deliver national education campaigns, executive briefings, media engagements and thought leadership presentations.”
SSSI President Gary Maguire said the coming year will allow the two organisations to continue to share knowledge, expertise and insight that champions spatial professions and technology.
“Partnering together puts us in a better position to guide new entrants into the industry, as they explore the range of capabilities that are deliverable through spatial technology,” said Mr Maguire.
Beyond supporting new users, a key focus of the partnership will be embarking on further research opportunities that seek to throw a light on ‘where to next’ for the technology and industry.
“Just recently through our partnership, we released the 2013 GIS in Local Government Benchmark Study, which provided a clear insight into how spatial technology is being used by councils – both now and in the future,” Mr Bundock said.
“Research initiatives such as this are an important component of our relationship with SSSI and are key to ensuring we can provide members of the spatial community with the insight required to continue to drive our sector forward.”
To receive a copy of the 2013 GIS in Local Government Benchmark Study, please register your details at esriaustralia.com.au/benchmark-study
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