Methodology & data sources

What the export tool does

The GIS Export tool automates a workflow that many engineers, planners, and GIS users otherwise do manually: locate a parcel, query multiple government spatial sources, clip the relevant layers, convert them into usable formats, and package everything for download.

The result is a site-focused export package for early-stage design, CAD setup, GIS review, and desktop due diligence. It is designed to reduce repetitive data gathering, not to replace professional validation of the underlying datasets.

How the export workflow works

1. The user enters a supported QLD or NSW street address.
2. The system identifies the parcel and associated spatial context.
3. Selected datasets are fetched from the relevant state or government source.
4. The data is clipped to the parcel or an appropriate surrounding buffer.
5. The selected layers are converted into the requested formats and bundled into a ZIP file.

Typical data sources

Exports rely on public spatial services and government datasets. Exact sources vary by state and dataset, but commonly include:

• QLD spatial services and cadastral layers for parcel and mapping context
• NSW parcel and mapping services for address and lot context
• State geology datasets including NSW Seamless Geology where applicable
• State soils and acid sulfate soil datasets
• Government elevation and LiDAR-derived products where coverage exists
• Government hydrology and road network datasets for watercourses and roads

What the export can include

• Property boundary and parcel identifiers
• Contours and elevation-derived products
• Geology and soils
• Acid sulfate soil risk layers
• Watercourses and roads
• GeoTIFF elevation raster and DXF TIN output where supported

Formats and intended use

Depending on the selection, the export package can include Shapefile, DXF, GeoPackage, KMZ, raster files, and derived surfaces. The outputs are intended to drop into GIS and CAD workflows more quickly than collecting the source data by hand.

Coverage and variability

Coverage is currently limited to Queensland and New South Wales addresses. Dataset availability and quality vary by location. Urban areas usually have stronger coverage than remote areas, and LiDAR-derived elevation quality can vary significantly depending on the source program and survey extent.

Important limitations

• The export reflects the quality and currency of the upstream source data.
• Not every dataset is available in every area or every format.
• Regional mapping may not match on-ground conditions at fine detail.
• Exports should be validated before being used for design, construction, or regulatory submissions.
• Coordinate system selection matters and should be checked against your downstream workflow.

How to evaluate the output

To see the step-by-step user flow, visit How It Works. If you want examples by audience or workflow, browse the GIS export use cases. If you are ready to test a live export, go to Export data.