The Federal Government has given the go-ahead for the use of government-held spatial information. The insurance industry is already a major user of spatial information, which can be used to improve risk assessment and minimise losses caused by an event.

Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry Richard Marles told a geospatial software conference in Sydney last week the potential for this type of technology is unlimited.

GPS systems on cars and boats, satellite imagery used in weather forecasts and by environmental scientists to track erosion, ambulance dispatch systems and bushfire management agencies all use spatial technology.