GIS Consultants provide your business with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS). It’s a specialised field that uses spatial data and mapping technology to better understand your project’s needs. A GIS consultant plays a pivotal role in merging technology and knowledge to provide effective solutions through mapping and data analysis.
What is GIS?
A geographic information system (GIS) is one that creates, manages, analyses, and maps all types of data. We all use GIS in our day to day activities. Whether you are looking for the best way to get to work, want to find the nearest doctor or even locate the best café nearby, there is GIS involved.
GIS has greatly improved the way we interpret and analyse spatial data, transforming many industries and the way we generally do business. It is extremely useful in sectors such as planning, transport, environmental engineering and science to analyse information from various sources. But there are a multitude of other benefits when engaging a GIS consultant, like improving resource management, statistical analysis, and communication of concepts.
How GeoLINK uses GIS
GIS is the foundation to many of the services we provide at GeoLINK. Almost every project relies on spatial data to provide the information needed to undertake projects or developments. The key GIS services we provide are:
- Data collection and integration
GIS incorporates data from many different sources and uses it in different ways. For example, our GIS officers set up web-based collection platforms (Field maps, Survey 123, Quick Capture) so the team can survey their site, take pictures and notes and record fauna and flora species. We also review existing governmental data to estimate the constraints on site prior to a site inspection and will digitise data from aerial imagery such as infrastructures, or vegetation extent. - Data conversion
We receive data from a multitude of clients, in varying formats that need to be converted and integrated into a GIS format for our consultants to be able to work with it. This allows them to visualise the extent of work and compare the data to that collected in the field. - Spatial analysis
By using geoprocessing tools and spatial algorithms, we analyse factors such as slope and aspects, proximity to infrastructures, land cover, accessibility, fauna and flora count. We also use GIS for change detection. For example, how many hectares of vegetation have been cleared between 2018 and 2023 on a particular site? - Visualisation / mapping
“A picture is worth a thousand words”. No matter how much data there is, it is always easier to understand it by a visual image. Existing, collected and interpolated data is collated in a meaningful document illustrating the report. This representation helps to understand the relationship between multiple factors, potential risks and impacts. In planning, this helps to show what the constraints surrounding a particular site are. - Environmental assessment
Our GIS systems help our ecologists and planners to assess various factors such as habitat quality, wetlands extent, corridors and impact areas. This information is pivotal to achieve the best outcome for Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDAR), Review of Environmental Effects (REF), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Biodiversity Assessment Report (BAR) - Bushfire assessment
Asset protection zones are calculated by our bushfire consultant and analysed by the GIS team to assess the site constraints and best location for new dwellings.
GIS in the field
GIS technology has transformed data collection in the field. Streamlining and modernising field data collection means the days of waterproof notebooks, poor handwriting and poor data integrity are gone. Now everything is done electronically, thanks to our web-based platform. Its ability to capture real-time data and perform analysis in situ has made the way we collect, analyse, and communicate the information we gather more streamlined, efficient and accurate.
Field workers can make more informed decisions by using highly accessible technology and information, resulting in improved outcomes for clients in fields such as environmental assessment, urban planning, and disaster management. For example, digitising existing vegetation canopy to visualise plant community type and condition is high on the agenda for many clients so they can maximise the use of the data.
A key benefit of GIS in the field is real-time visualisation. We can now visualise our data while in the location and can immediately see how the data fits into the bigger picture, making it easier to identify patterns and relationships.
Real-time visualisation lets our field workers document their findings more effectively through interactive maps and other visualisation tools. By using data from multiple sources, like satellite imagery and historical records, we get a better understanding of the area we work in.
GIS and projects we’ve completed
GIS brings a multitude of benefits to many of the projects we undertake for clients. Using our technology platforms and methodology our GIS services have been pivotal in the successful completion of a number of key projects including:
- Tweed Hospital
- Inland Rail
- Chaffey Dam
- Tweed Byron Hinterland Trail
Get in touch to find out more about how our GIS services can help your business.
