Australian location data offered 'as a service'

PSMA Australia has begun offering national location data on an as-a-service basis, with the launch of a new concept known as Geoscape.

Geoscape combines high-resolution satellite imagery, machine learning and big data processing to create a digital representation of the built environment for every address in Australia.

The offering comes with an API that enables address and built environment data availability via the cloud, enabling data to be accessed and used on demand without the need for storing and managing huge, complex geospatial datasets.

The APIs provide predictive address verification and data about every Australian address, such as building attributes (eg, height, roof types), terrain (eg, vegetation, ground type) geographic coordinates, electorate and local government and ABS statistical areas.

“The data is so rich; there are so many possibilities. Developers can really dream up their own uses. An example might be a solar panel company determining which houses don’t have solar and which of those might suit it, or an online retailer determining if an address is genuine. But really, these are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dan Paull, CEO of PSMA Australia.

“We’re seeing the maturing of remote sensing and an abundance of earth observation satellites, meaning more location data is being produced than ever before,” he added.

PSMA Australia, an unlisted company formed in 1992 and owned by all Australian governments, will also continue to supply its Geocoded National Address File (G-NAF).

“I have enormous passion for the geospatial industry in Australia,” said Paull, who this year received the prestigious Asia Pacific Spatial Professional of the Year Award for the second time (having previously been awarded in 2009).

“We punch above our weight and have a lot to offer internationally — we can take it to the rest of the world and make them take notice.”

Image courtesy PSMA Australia.

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