Geoscience Australia believes that applying geospatial capabilities within the space and spatial sectors enhances government policy and service delivery. It can achieve this by analysing and visualising location information, making them more efficient, relevant, and targeted, especially during emergencies. Spatial data and space services are integral to our modern lives, connecting us digitally, and the power of location records what, when, and where things happen. Australia can use location to improve economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
Australia regularly faces disasters like floods, droughts, and bushfires. Understanding the geographic extent of these disasters is crucial. Space technologies play a vital role in collecting and disseminating data, aiding response and recovery. Location unifies data and serves as a powerful tool for understanding and communicating information. Applying geospatial capabilities can make government policy and service delivery more efficient during emergencies and in regular operations.
Studies highlight the significant contribution of the space and spatial sector to economies globally and in Australia. Australia’s space industry, though small, has world-class expertise. The spatial community is dominant globally, showing strong growth potential, forming a basis for growth. Space and spatial contribute significantly to digital transformation with global spending on digital transformation expected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2023. The space industry is estimated to grow to over $1.1 trillion by 2040. The Australian space sector was estimated at around $3.9 billion in 2019, with a forecasted 7.1% annual growth by 2024.
The direct economic benefits from space data alone were worth A$496 million in 2015 and are predicted to reach A$1,694 million by 2025. In short, investment in space and spatial provides a vantage point to collect and deliver “ubiquitous data.”
Space & Spatial National Industry Group Convenors
Professor Dr Zaffar Sadiq Mohamed-Ghouse is recognised as a global leader who served on the steering committee of Australia’s Space + Spatial Roadmap 2030. Dr Zaffar advises governments on space and spatial investments and their utilization. Zaffar has led several delegations to India to discuss collaboration on Space and Spatial opportunities. He has been recently appointed to the Program Board of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), an intergovernmental body dedicated to co-producing user-driven Earth Intelligence solutions. Dr Zaffar is also Chair of the United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management – Private Sector Network. He is a Board Director at Open Geospatial Consortium and The Vice President of the International Society for Digital Earth. He is the Director of Advisory and Innovation at Woolpert, based in Melbourne. Dr Zaffar has Professorial appointments at Anna University, Chennai and the National Institute of Advance Studies, Bangalore, India. He has an Hon. Principal Fellow Appointment at The Department of Infrastructure, The University of Melbourne and has been recognised for his service to space and spatial with the University of Melbourne, “Thornton Smith Medal”, and Professional of the Year 2022 at the Oceania Spatial Excellence Awards conferred by the Geospatial Council of Australia. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an Honorary Fellow of the Geospatial Council of Australia and a Senior Member of the IEEE Geospatial Remote Sensing Society.
Ram Kuppusamy, CEO and Founder of Space Angel, is a pioneering entrepreneur shaping Australia’s aerospace landscape. With over 25 years of success, he champions affordable space exploration, using Australia’s ‘1st Low-Cost Green Spaceports.’ Ram’s visionary leadership extends globally, fostering collaborations with New Space India. Proficient in technology, he navigates projects seamlessly, scaling operations for critical infrastructures. Beyond aerospace, Ram’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrated in IoT, Robotics, and AI, sets an industry example. His ultimate goal is to “future-proof human well-being,” making him a visionary leader at the forefront of innovation in technology, business, and space exploration.
Ram Kuppusamy