The Lands GeoSpatial Portal (GSP) is a multi-functional interface, providing internal and external user access to Department of Lands spatial data. It enables viewing and searching of integrated spatial data, including cadastral with topographic and some imagery. The GSP also provides new integrated applications where you can access Topographic Maps and Aerial Photographs, with secure credit card transactions to order over the web. External data can also be viewed in the application, such as national mapping and mining lease data.
The GSP is simple to use, once you get to know the way it has been designed to work. It's a single point of access with services brought to it. You don't need to go to any other HTML pages; you just need to learn how to drive the interface. Once you can do this, you are on your way. The GSP's architecture is:
The viewing area is central to your browser.
The services area is located on the left.
Manipulation of the layers in the services located on the right.
Search results are entered and displayed on the bottom centre, as are the GSP information pages and help files.
E-Services are on the bottom right, with sub windows to show the status of your order.
GSP Datasets
The GSP uses 3 core datasets to help you navigate around the State. These are:
Cadastral
A static layer of cadastral showing land parcels, addressing and survey control.
Topographic
Live Topographic features as used for standard mapping production at Lands.
Imagery
State wide imge, hill shading and vegetation imagery, with plans to include orthophoto imagery when available.
GSP Applications
Two initial applications released with the GSP launch are the new AirView and MapCatalogue applications. They are located on the LHS, so see their help files for instructions of how to use them.
Using The GSP
All you need is a supported browser and Internet connection. If you want to print your own maps, all you need is a printer.
To get started, try zooming into a small area of interest. Try finding where you live. Then play with the layers on the RHS, turning them off then refreshing the services. Once you have a feel for what's happening, familiarise yourself with the available tools on the tool bar. (To download a Tool User Guide » Click Here.)
Now for some searching. Choose the search tool and then select the address link from the search/info panel. Type in your address using the 4 fields and pick the search button. Not all addresses are in the system, but we expect most are. This should zoom you automatically to the house. A working example would be "7 William St Bathurst".
As a general guide, switch off layers you are not using as it will make your screen refresh faster. You may also want to switch of an entire service (ie. Cadastral Data). Note how layers appear and disappear depending on how far in you are zoomed. This is also done to improve your screen refresh time.
While the technology is new, viewing spatial data in the portlet requires little knowledge of mapping. Just some knowledge (and patience) to learn how to drive it and remember you can't learn to ride a bike by watching someone else. So try it out, and enjoy planning your next outing. complete with maps.
