VIRTUAL AUSTRALIA- THE NEXT GENERATION OF RESEARCH INVESTMENTS TO HELP SHAPE A NATION

Australia is currently shaping its strategy for spatial information research for the next decade. This strategy will cover the development of new infrastructure in spatial data systems, frameworks to support precise positioning nationwide, development and application of new technologies including unmanned aerial systems, hyperspectral imaging and advanced analysis systems capable of integrating 3D and 4D analyses. The proposed research is underpinned by a comprehensive economic analysis together with in-depth consideration of the environmental and social issues that need to be tackled in Australia’s national interest. The overall strategy will drive Australia towards a position where organisations in the public and private sectors are capable of exercising greater intelligence in their decision-making from the vast amounts of data that are available to them. The paper examines specific research propositions in a number of sectors including energy, agriculture, natural resources, defence and health