NGIS

The problem

As part of the DOTARS enterprise wide corporate re-branding exercise, NGIS Australia Pty Ltd was asked to redesign their AusLink mapping interface in line with the new design put forward.

The new mapping site design was to be signifiantly simplified in terms of data querying and navigation. Two points of access – text based query and map based query – were to replace the initial site where all elements were operated from the same interface.

The focus of the design brief was to develop a site that presents relevant information to the public, with online mapping being an enabling technology. This is crucially different from the classic “online GIS” paradigm.

The purpose of the project was to develop a web mapping site providing information to the Australian public about the funding of transport programs and projects on a national scale. The site contains a map based query system that provides the location and details of infrastructure projects funded by the Federal government.

The mapping system was designed to be of use by the public and be accessible across low bandwidth internet connections.  In 2005, NGIS Australia Pty Ltd won a tender to deliver an internet mapping solution to the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) AusLink division.

AusLink’s national charter is to provide funding for the development of an integrated network of road, rail and port infrastructure consistent with long term economic, environmental and social planning goals. The National Network is based upon national and regional transport corridors, links to airports and sea ports and other road and rail inter-modal connections.

The ongoing federal funding of these networks is of critical importance to national and regional economic growth, development and connectivity.