Precise positioning technology offers an exciting opportunity for all Australians. The ability to identify a location anywhere in Australia with a real-time accuracy of three centimetres enables a range of activities to be conducted more efficiently, from growing crops to constructing roads and navigating transport networks. The industries that have been early adopters have already realised the benefits of their investment — economically, environmentally and socially.
Widespread access to precise positioning technology is estimated to boost the national economy by between $7.8 and $13.72 billion1 by 2020. Geoscience Australia is playing an important role in fostering the uptake and ongoing development of this technology through the National Positioning Infrastructure Capability.
This program will establish the necessary infrastructure on the ground that provides the foundation for the technology.
The National Positioning Infrastructure Capability will ensure all Australians have an opportunity to access continuous, reliable and precise positioning information.
To better understand these benefits and how this technology is currently being used in Australia, read the five case studies. They provide a snapshot of the new and innovative uses that will continue to arise as the technology continues to evolve and more industries get involved.
[1] ACIL Allen Consulting, 2013, The value of augmented GNSS in Australia., Accessed 24 August 2015.
...Saves time and money
Uptake of precise positioning technology in the road transport sector has significantly increased in recent years to address the growing challenges of congestion, accessibility and rising fuel prices. Managing and optimising route selection ensures that road freight arrives on time and with greater fuel efficiency — both of which translate into significant cost savings.
...Helps make roads safer
Driver safety is of paramount importance in the road transport sector. Precise positioning enables the vehicle's location to be identified with greater accuracy and certainty to better manage driver fatigue and transport mobility. These benefits extend to other modes of transport, including increased safety and efficiency across air, rail and maritime networks.
