The Future of Australia's Economy Could Be Geospatial: $689 Billion Impact by 2034
Shayne Whitehouse
Helping Organisations achieve Better Outcomes by making Smarter Decisions | Leader of Sales Teams Business Transformation Evangelist | Driving Customer Success | Digital Twin Specialist
Australia is at the forefront of a geospatial revolution that could drive an impressive $689 billion cumulative economic impact over the next decade, according to the latest report from the Geospatial Council of Australia. This projection showcases the transformative power of location-based data and technologies across industries, shaping Australia's economic growth and resilience.
Here's Why CEOs, Government Leaders, and Innovators should be paying attention:
?The report reveals that geospatial services contributed $39 billion to Australia's GDP in the 2023-24 financial year alone. This figure is expected to more than double to $81 billion annually by 2033-34, emphasising the strategic importance of leveraging location intelligence and Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions across various sectors.
?Geospatial information isn’t just for mapping — it’s transforming sectors like agriculture, mining, construction, and emergency management. Systems like the National Joint Common Operating Picture and Digital Earth Australia are enhancing disaster response times and helping mitigate impacts, offering a prime example of how technology can save both lives and billions of dollars. Technologies such as precise satellite positioning in agriculture and autonomous vehicles in mining are reducing costs, optimising efficiency, and enhancing safety, ensuring these sectors remain globally competitive.
?By 2034, the geospatial sector is expected to generate 22,000 full-time equivalent jobs, emphasising the opportunity for both emerging and established professionals to step into this growing field. Workforce development initiatives in geospatial skills will be crucial to harnessing this potential fully.
?Geospatial data and services are crucial for climate action. From monitoring emissions through the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) Scheme to informing coastal management via Digital Earth Australia, geospatial technology is helping both government and industry make informed, data-driven decisions that contribute to environmental sustainability.
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?The challenge, as highlighted in the report, lies in accelerating adoption. If the geospatial ecosystem is to reach its full potential, a favourable operating environment that promotes data sharing, infrastructure investment, and innovation will be key. With collaboration between government, industry, and academia, Australia can lead the way in making geospatial technology central to economic growth.
?As we envision Australia's economic landscape a decade from now, it's clear that geospatial services are not just tools—they are the infrastructure that will support smart decisions, better resource management, and sustainable growth. Whether in government, mining, agriculture, or urban planning, the call is clear: the time to invest in geospatial is now.
?For more insights, read the full report here: https://geospatialcouncil.org.au/geospatial-sector-set-to-deliver-689-billion-economic-impact-to-australia-by-2034-gca-report-finds/](https://geospatialcouncil.org.au/geospatial-sector-set-to-deliver-689-billion-economic-impact-to-australia-by-2034-gca-report-finds/)
What do you think? How do you see geospatial technology shaping your industry in the coming years? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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