Mapping Queensland’s future: How modernising spatial systems is transforming our cities and regions

Cadastral data provides vital information about property boundaries and locations, supporting everything from city planning and urban development to emergency response and everyday deliveries.

At the core of this work is our Spatial Information Service team, including Officers like Tahlia Seeto who are leading efforts to modernise the state’s spatial cadastre. Through the Queensland Government 's Cadastre and Addressing Modernisation Project, we’re transforming how we manage land and location data to meet the needs of a growing and evolving Queensland.

We spoke with Tahlia to hear her insights on the importance of this data, how it’s supporting Queensland’s future growth and what makes modernising these systems so exciting!

How does cadastre data play a vital role in the GIS landscape today, especially in shaping land use planning, infrastructure and emergency response initiatives?

‘The cadastre is a parcel-based land information system that underpins all land management, development and planning. With the ever-increasing use of data in decision-making processes, there is a great emphasis on the spatial component of the cadastre for successful outcomes.

Being able to analyse the spatial interaction between different objects or datasets will enable decision makers to determine the best options for planning and policies that directly affect Queenslanders in their day to day lives, whether that be for large scale urban planning, for new infrastructure such as Olympic stadiums, or for fastest route emergency response initiatives.’

How would councils use 2D cadastre data compared to 3D data, and what extra benefits does 3D data provide?

‘3D data allows us to represent the real world more accurately, enabling users, such as councils across Queensland, to make more informed decisions. For example, councils can assess how shadows from proposed buildings might affect surrounding areas as part of the development approval process.

One of the biggest benefits we’ve already identified with a 3D environment is the ability to display each individual lot in a multi-storey or unit building. Currently, these lots are stored only in tables without spatial features.

Additionally, a 3D environment enables us to show the precise location of buildings on large properties. This is particularly valuable for emergency and council services, as it helps them locate houses or structures on large parcels of land.’

What are some other benefits of accurate cadastre spatial data?

‘Accurate cadastre spatial data plays a crucial role in supporting Queensland’s land development and boosting our economy.

• Legal certainty: Reliable boundary data reduces disputes, adding more clarity to the development environment for councils, developers and property owners.
• Reducing red tape: Clear land title processes and precise data speed up land development and subdivision approvals.
• Economic benefits: From construction to mining and agriculture, accurate cadastre data supports a range of industries, driving economic growth across Queensland and contributing billions to the state’s economy each year.’

How will communities benefit if the cadastre and addressing systems are more accurate and user friendly?

‘Modernising these systems means property boundaries and location points will match more precisely. This ensures addresses are correctly assigned and managed. For example, accurate addressing helps emergency services locate properties faster during critical incidents, such as responding to a fire in a rural area or directing ambulances to the correct address in a large development.

It also allows us to better connect and use these systems with other information, making it easier to support regional planning, improve infrastructure, and deliver essential services like waste collection and utilities.’

What excites you most about improving the spatial cadastre?

‘We’re leading the biggest transformation of Queensland’s digital cadastre in nearly 30 years. Having the project designed and managed in-house means we have the unique opportunity to shape every aspect- from building the future data model to refining the day-to-day workflows.

Another highlight has been collaborating with such a supportive and innovative team. Together, we’ve been able to combine our skills and ideas to create solutions that truly make a difference. It’s incredibly fulfilling to not only see the new system in action but also to share it with others, helping them understand and use its exciting new features.

What excites me most about the modernisation of spatial cadastre is its potential to support Queensland’s growth and development. As we’ve worked through the testing and design, we’ve discovered there is so much more we can achieve with the additional functionality.

From capturing detailed survey plan data to achieving precise accuracies of up to 0.1 meters, the new system offers incredible capabilities, like visually mapping every unit in a 20-storey building. These advancements are laying the foundation for Queensland’s growth, especially for major initiatives like the 2032 Olympic Games. It’s exciting to see how this work is helping to shape the future of our state.’

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