Cadastre and Address Modernisation (CAM) Project

CAM is transforming the systems and processes used to manage and maintain spatial cadastre (land boundary) and location (street) addressing information in Queensland.

Foundation spatial data

We use foundation spatial data—digital maps and other geographic information—to help us understand and manage our land. Foundation spatial data ensures shared knowledge of Queensland’s geography and its built and natural environments and creates a common language that helps us connect.

Historical spatial information was stored on paper records, maps, charts, photographs, and other physical media. In the 1960s and 70s, we began the transition away from paper and to computers, making data easier to manage, maintain, improve, view, share, and connect.

Queensland’s spatial cadastre and location addressing information was digitised in the 1980s and 90s. The technology and processes were cutting-edge at the time, but only capable of replicating the 2D nature of paper maps.

Unlocking the power of foundation spatial data

Our diverse and complex built, and natural environments requires data to match, so we can maintain the shared foundational understanding necessary for modern life.

New tools, technologies and techniques enable us to leverage other data stored within data we already hold. For example, distance (length) and bearing (angle) information (known as survey observations) stored on cadastral survey plans.

In the original digitisation of spatial cadastre, only the lines and points forming the shapes (polygons) of land parcels were captured. This removed the need to maintain large, complex paper versions. The system was not designed to store and maintain survey observation data, or other survey-relevant information (such as permanent survey marks or geographical features). Instead, those other sets of data could be layered above or below the digital representation of the spatial cadastre in applications—Land Information Systems (LIS) now known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

CAM positions us to deliver 3D cadastre in the future. A 3D cadastre is not just useful for planning and development, or as a foundational component of a spatial digital twin, but also enables us to more effectively assign location addresses to physical reality.

CAM’s target implementation is 1 July 2025. More information will be made available soon.

View images of spatial data technologies over the years, including CAM's potential to move toward 3D cadastre.

Last updated

15 November 2024

Last reviewed

13 September 2024