Foundation Spatial Data Framework (FSDF)

For seamlessly integrating standardised spatial information into systems and applications.

Scaling Endorsed Core SDA DCS Spatial Services

Overview

The Foundation Spatial Data Framework (FSDF) was endorsed as a Core State Digital Asset on 19 December 2024, following a comprehensive assessment process as per the governance established in the SDA Reuse Policy.

The FSDF is a structured and standardised system for organising, managing, and sharing spatial data. It consists of approximately 300 datasets clustered into 10 broad themes, providing state-wide coverage of the best available, current, and authoritative spatial data. This common reference base is essential for the contextualisation of information and is a key enabler for innovation and digital service delivery.

Reuse mandate

As an endorsed Core State Digital Asset, agencies must use the spatial datasets comprising the Foundation Spatial Data Framework (FSDF). Themes currently available in the FSDF are:

• Administrative Boundaries
• Land Parcel and Property
• Geocoded Addressing
• Transport
• Positioning
• Place Names
• Elevation and Depth
• Imagery
• Water
• Land Cover

What this means for agencies

• Agencies do not use (procure, develop, or utilise) alternative datasets matching the themes noted in the mandate.
• Agencies can develop enhanced datasets derived from the FSDF, including datasets maintained by agencies themselves for their specific needs and from third-party providers. There is no requirement for agencies to contribute data back into these datasets.
• Reuse of the FSDF datasets is agnostic to method of access / integration. Reuse is supported through several pathways, examples include:
  • Spatial Collaboration Portal (enabling export, open access APIs, online viewing, etc)
  • Incremental Feed (enabling nightly updating to synchronise customer datasets).
• FSDF and its datasets are provided to agencies for free, but agencies may still incur their own costs to integrate and use.
• Relevant governance groups will be consulted if/when new data themes are added to FSDF in the future, to ensure that the reuse mandate is still valid.
• Per the SDA Reuse Policy:
  • Agencies may request reuse exemptions from endorsed SDAs
  • Agencies that have existing solutions that duplicate capabilities available from endorsed SDAs must contact the SDA owner and plan a logical point for migration, e.g. when existing agency solution is decommissioned.

Next steps

Government agencies looking to understand the capabilities of FSDF and how best to integrate those capabilities should visit the FSDF website, and connect with the Spatial Services team where assistance is needed.