Welcome to the December 2024 edition of Spatial Insights
As we approach the end of the year, we are pleased to present a selection of innovative products and services designed to elevate your experience with our spatial data. This month, we highlight the Spatial Digital Twin (SDT) Explorer – a powerful tool combining features from SIX Maps and the NSW Digital Twin Visualisation Service, offering advanced insights and capabilities.
In this edition, learn about important updates for NSW surveyors coming into effect from March 2025 with the implementation of the Surveying and Spatial Information Regulation 2024. We also showcase the newly launched website for the Geographical Names Board, which enhances accessibility and user experience for all customers. And we invite you to explore updates to the NSW Address Policy and User Manual and try out the recently updated NSW Survey Marks Mobile Application.
Find out more about the next generation of NSW Point - an enhanced service (for NSW Government agency use) that not only encompasses real-time address validation features like its predecessor but also introduces a range of new capabilities to improve location intelligence across NSW Government. Learn how these developments can benefit NSW Government agencies.
Finally, with Christmas around the corner, we want to wish you all a safe and happy holiday. Customer enquires can continue to be submitted to us via the DCS Spatial Services Customer Hub with a reduced availability from Monday 23 December through to Friday 3 January. We will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.
SIX Maps is set to be retired in 2025, and we want to ensure you have a seamless transition to the new Spatial Digital Twin Explorer (SDT Explorer). Have you had a chance to engage with SDT Explorer yet? Currently in beta, this powerful platform integrates the best features of the NSW Digital Twin Visualisation Service and SIX Maps, allowing you to complete a variety of mapping tasks all in one place.
By trying out SDT Explorer now, you can help us ensure it retains all the functionality and usability that our customers have come to love in SIX Maps. We encourage you to share your feedback by clicking the ‘Feedback’ button in the top menu while using the platform.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the evolution of mapping technology! Your insights are invaluable in refining SDT Explorer as we work towards its official release in May 2025, coinciding with the retirement of SIX Maps. Mark your calendars and join us in shaping the future of this exciting platform!
Image: New, interactive front page of the SDT Explorer making it easy to access all features.
As we gear up for the implementation of the Surveying and Spatial Information Regulation 2024 commencing on March 1, 2025, it’s time to dive into some important updates that will shape the profession and the way we work in the field of land surveying.
This new regulation replaces the Surveying and Spatial Information Regulation 2017 and introduces updates to the essential requirements for conducting surveys and preparing plans. For those working in the surveying and spatial sectors, understanding these changes will be important.
Here’s a brief rundown of some of the major changes:
1. All the way with MGA – all surveys are required to be on MGA 2020 (Map Grid of Australia 2020).
2. A report is required when undertaking a natural feature boundary survey for a survey plan to be lodged with the relevant authorities.
3. Connection and propagation of the state control survey simplified.
4. Style – a substantial change in the layout, format and style of the regulation in line with modern legislation.
5. A new consent certificate to help accelerate housing supply by shortening the time from survey to registration.
Additionally, the regulation addresses the registration of surveyors and the constitution of the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI).
Image: Click on the front page of the new regulation above to read it.
As we prepare for these changes, take the time to familiarise yourself with the new requirements and consider how they will impact your practices.
These changes represent an opportunity for us to enhance professionalism and uphold the standards of our industry.
The Geographical Names Board (GNB) has officially launched its new online presence on nsw.gov.au!
What does this mean for you? Here are a few of the ways your experience will be enhanced:
- Simplified Access: Fewer clicks when searching for the information you need. All search and navigation functions are designed with the user in mind.
- Modern Digital Experience: The new site offers a streamlined, user-friendly interface that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easier to navigate.
- Enhanced Security and Privacy: Your safety and privacy are a priority. The new site is built with robust measures to protect your information.
- Improved Accessibility: We believe that everyone should be able to access the information they need. The upgraded site is designed to be inclusive and user-friendly for all.
- Seamless Transition: Don’t worry about getting lost. Website redirects have been set up to ensure a smooth journey to the new site.
Image: The new GNB website is featured on the nsw.gov.au platform.
This powerful tool, originally designed for surveyors, has evolved into a must-have companion - whether you're in the office, on a building site, or exploring the great outdoors in rural areas. It allows you to dive into the world of precise location tracking to make your next survey adventure an unforgettable one. With the app, you can:
- Search and locate survey marks against a variety of NSW base maps and imagery
- Access published coordinate values, including essential metadata like accuracy and status
- Download locality sketch plans to enhance mark discoverability
- Report the condition of marks—intact, damaged, or even destroyed - and share photos as supporting evidence
You can also toggle between GDA94 and GDA2020 datums, fitting the app to your needs perfectly.
The app was recently open to the public for feedback via the NSW Government 'Have your say' platform. The feedback provided will help identify future enhancements to this already innovative tool.
With a fresh, updated platform, customers can the app to keep pace with the latest hardware and software technology. The app is available on both iOS and Android. Click below to check out the NSW Survey Mark Mobile App.
Image: Available on both IOS and Android, the app can be used on tablets as well as your phone.
NSW Government departments and agencies will now be able to further enrich their data records as NSW Point version 3 (V3) introduces Foundation Spatial Data Indexes (FSDI), enabling connections between geographic coordinates, cadastral parcels and property address. Data returns can optionally include administrative boundary information such as Local Government Area, State Electoral District and Australian Statistical Geography Standards will enable data analysis of your client base, understand how client location relates to service delivery and enhance location-based reporting capabilities.
NSW Point V3 is built on robust infrastructure to future-proof scalability with the enhancements based on client feedback and identified needs, including support to emergency response and recovery. NSW Point V3 APIs encompass all the existing real-time address validation features offered in the previous version of NSW Point, while expanding a host of new functionality and enhancements.
NSW Government departments and agencies can apply for access to this latest version using the access request form. Existing clients should quote their account number when applying. Our 2024/25 fee schedule is outlined in the FAQ topics.
Check out the NSW Point V3 website where you can use the sample forms ‘try it out’, access FAQs, visualise V3 enhancements from V2 via the comparison table and more.
Image: The latest version of NSW Point includes new and improved features.
If you can’t find what you are looking for on the website or have any questions, contact SS-NSWPOINT@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 789 866.
Following consultation with government and industry, the latest version of the NSW Address Policy and User Manual has now been published. The updated policy provides clear and consistent guidelines for property addressing to facilitate effective service provision, particularly for emergency services. This includes ensuring street, floor and unit numbers are assigned sequentially without numbers being skipped to better support emergency service responders.
The user manual outlines the standards for producing, managing and verifying address data in NSW. It supports consistent addressing for government, emergency services and public use. It also reflects the NSW implementation of the Australia and New Zealand Standard for Rural and Urban Addressing - AS/NZS 4819:2011.
Learn more about how addresses are decided and the role of the Geographical Names Board in this process via the button on the right.
DCS Spatial Services was excited to be part of the Digital NSW Showcase event focused on shaping the future of digital government in NSW. With the theme 'NSW’s Digital Future: Inclusive, Sustainable, Trusted,' the showcase took a deep dive into the critical role of digital transformation in achieving governmental objectives.
DCS Spatial Services showcased the NSW Spatial Digital Twin and welcomed the opportunity to meet with Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib to discuss our ground-breaking initiatives undertaken through the Digital Restart Fund to modernise the management of spatial data across the state and the important work we do.
As the world shifts towards smarter infrastructure management, digital twins have emerged as essential tools for real-time monitoring, analysis, and simulation of physical assets and systems. This showcase is a fantastic platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among public servants, industry experts, and academic leaders.
Want to learn more about what’s happening at DCS Spatial Services?
Image L-R: DCS Spatial Services Senior User Experience Designer Michael Ferguson-Kang, Delivery Manager Anna Yeshtukova, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib, Manager Emergency Information Coordination Unit Chad Ajamian and Delivery Manager Natalie Ayres.
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If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us: https://www.spatial.nsw.gov.au/contact_us
