This infrastructure can be compared to services infrastructures, such as road, rail and electricity networks. The concept of the ASDI is not to establish a central database, but to set up a distributed network of databases, managed by individual government and industry custodians. Spatial data is also known as geospatial data or geographic information. It refers to features that can be located on a map, or geo-referenced. It means information that identifies the geographic location and characteristics of natural or constructed features and boundaries on the earth, including the oceans.
Spatial data is used in a wide variety of economic, social and environmental applications.
Business Planning Analysis of digital maps is providing a cost-effective method for planning business expansion and identifying the location of clients. All the census information collated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics is linked to its location through the use of maps. Disaster Management Emergency services use spatial data in managing disasters such as fires and floods and to help them predict the likely impact of incidents such as cyclones. Over time, many organisations and governments have made major investments in collecting spatial data. This data is a national resource that is fundamental to good decision-making.