NSW Spatial Services adds 3D maps to planning portal

The NSW Department of Commerce’s Spatial Services unit has further digitised the state’s planning system by enabling 3D digital mapping of subdivision and strata plans through the NSW Planning Portal.

With the upgrade, draft strata and subdivision plans can be visualised in 3D to improve the ability of assessing authorities such as local councils and private certifiers to conduct quality checks and enable more effective community engagement.

Spatial Services Executive Director Narelle Underwood said the innovation builds on the division’s award-winning development of a digital twin compiling disparate government data sources for developers and residents.

“Thanks to the work in connecting subdivision- and strata-related digital mapping to the NSW Planning Portal, people can better understand the impact of development applications and subdivision certificate applications while reducing the time it takes to manually review and digitise information, realising a more efficient and customer-friendly experience,” she said.

The NSW Planning Portal is an open-access online environment designed to serve as an alternative to paper-based transactions to streamline planning processes. It is part of the ePlanning Program, which is funded by the state government’s $2.1 billion DCS Digital Restart Fund.

“The portal’s digital planning services, mapping tools and reporting tools assist everyone involved in a proposed development and this is helping to improve application determination times, increase transparency of the planning system and ensure greater accountability of all stakeholders,” Underwood said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Paolo Sordi