Top Free Basemaps for Australia in QGIS 1. AusMap Plugin A dedicated QGIS plugin tailored for Australian geospatial data. AusMap provides layers from Geoscience Australia, OpenStreetMap, and Google Maps via WMS, WFS, WMTS, and XYZ formats. An excellent one-stop solution…
Below are step-by-step instructions and recommended sources: Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) The ABS provides detailed and up-to-date shapefiles for various geographic levels, including Suburbs and Localities (SAL). Download Link: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/standards/australian-statistical-geography-standard-asgs-edition-3/jul2021-jun2026/digital-boundary-files Steps to Download: How to Use on a…
Toronto is one of North America’s most data-forward cities, offering a wide range of public datasets through its Open Data Portal and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resources. For urban planners, access to such rich, high-quality data is essential in making…
Urban centers across Canada are undergoing rapid transformation. From addressing climate change and population growth to fostering inclusive, sustainable communities, cities face unprecedented planning challenges. At the heart of these solutions lies a powerful technology: Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Once…
GeoBase is one of Canada’s most important repositories of geospatial data, providing authoritative, standardised datasets critical for everything from environmental research to urban planning. Whether you’re a GIS professional, developer, researcher, or policy maker, understanding GeoBase is key to working…
Complete Guide: How to Download and Use GeoBase Elevation Data in QGIS What is GeoBase Elevation Data? GeoBase Elevation Data represents one of Canada’s most comprehensive freely available Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), provided by Natural Resources Canada through the GeoGratis…
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are at the heart of modern spatial analysis, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and much more. In Canada, a wealth of high-quality, authoritative GIS datasets is available for free — thanks to government open data initiatives, academic…
Small Wetland Monitoring in Semi‑Arid Environments: Why It Matters & How to Do It Right In the heart of semi-arid landscapes, small wetlands — often overlooked and undervalued — quietly sustain a wealth of biodiversity, support local water cycles, and…
Real-Time GIS Integration with AI & Big Data: Transforming Decision-Making Across Industries In today’s hyper-connected world, the fusion of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data analytics is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a game-changing reality.…
Mapping Informal Settlements with Low‑Resolution Data: Challenges, Techniques, and Innovations Informal settlements, often referred to as slums or shantytowns, are home to over a billion people worldwide. These areas are typically characterized by inadequate infrastructure, poor access to basic services,…