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APS Data Leadership Award 2023 - Finalists and Winner

Finalists

• COVID-19 Register and Linked Data Set (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
• National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (joint nomination from Department of Health and Aged Care and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
• Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) (Geoscience Australia)

Winner

Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN), nominated by Geoscience Australia.

What was the purpose of the project?

The Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) is a game-changer for Australia that improves precise positioning data across the country and offshore. It greatly enhances data-driven analytics and decision making, improving operational efficiency and community safety. It represents exceptional innovation opportunities for digital technologies across all sectors of the economy and society. Independent economic analysis found that SouthPAN will generate more than $AU6.2bn in

benefits to the Australian economy over the coming 30 years.

SouthPAN is a system of space and ground infrastructure that augments the positioning signals provided by GPS to significantly improve accuracy and reliability. Precise positioning from SouthPAN offers accuracy at as little as 10 centimetres: a significant improvement on previous accuracy of 5 to 10 metres. SouthPAN overcomes gaps in mobile and radio communications by delivering data to users via satellite, including in remote and rural Australia and offshore.

SouthPAN is a joint initiative of the Australian and New Zealand Governments, providing Satellite-Based Augmentation Services (SBAS) for Australia and New Zealand. It is the first SBAS in the Southern Hemisphere.

The SouthPAN project was initiated by John Dawson at Geoscience Australia, who secured Government support to undertake a trial of this technology. Dr Dawson, as Director and leader of the SouthPAN project, led the capability from concept through funding, New Zealand participation and procurement to deliver early open precise positioning services in September 2022. Dr Dawson’s leadership in the initiation and realisation of SouthPAN deserves to be recognized, as it has enabled a new satellite data infrastructure to contribute to Australian safety and prosperity.

In what way is your project innovative?

Precise positioning is a critical component in innovative technologies across the economy, including IoT, autonomous vehicles, and personal safety applications. SouthPAN transforms Australian access to positioning as it significantly lowers barriers to accessing positioning-based technologies. Until now, costs associated with precise positioning have limited adoption and slowed innovation. SouthPAN’s satellite-delivered signal is available across all of Australia and offshore, so users don’t

need to invest in expensive infrastructure. The signals are openly accessible, without costly subscription fees. SouthPAN services can immediately integrate with existing equipment or products to create or enhance positioning services, minimising the need for expensive equipment. This is a transformative project for Australia’s digital economy, especially in remote and rural Australia. Test-bed trials have demonstrated the huge potential for innovative applications in a broad range of sectors.

In what way will your project benefit the Australian community?

Independent analysis indicates that SouthPAN will deliver more than $AU6.2 billion in economic benefits for Australia over the next 30 years. Benefits will be felt in a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, mining, utilities, and transportation. Positioning data are integral to technologies delivering efficiencies in agriculture, mining, transport and logistics. In agriculture, SouthPAN will help reduce pesticide use, optimize water use, and enable development of data-driven herd management systems. SouthPAN will reduce accidents and fatalities in the transport, aviation, and maritime sectors, along with improving personnel safety on mine and construction sites.

Furthermore, a consistent, accurate and reliable satellite positioning system will give Australian businesses and the start-up sector the confidence to invest in innovative technologies. Position-enabled products and services may be sold within Australia and New Zealand or exported to international markets.

SouthPAN data will deliver benefits in all sectors of the Australian economy and society.

A video showcasing the finalists and their projects is available here. 

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