Volume 7 Issue 2

The development and use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) constitute a critical component of almost all infrastructure development and is a billion dollar industry. Writing from an Australian legal perspective, this article surveys some of the legal risks and uncertainties regarding the development, use and commercialisation of GIS. The authors proffer a number of practical suggestions regarding legal risk management strategies which businesses and governments may utilise in relation to GIS.

* Katharine Reid is a researcher and part-time lecturer at the University of Canberra. She was formerly with Clayton Utz. Eugene Clark is Professor of Law and Head of School, University of Canberra; George Cho is Assoc Prof in the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of Canberra. We also acknowledge the input of researchers Arthur Hoyle and Kerrin Stewart who, with the authors are part of the University of Canberra research team investigating geographic information systems. This article represents the outcome of research undertaken as part of an ARC Grant project on GIS and the law. The present article will be followed up by three additional articles to appear in the next issue of this journal. These articles will focus on: 1) intellectual property issues in relation to GIS; tort liability issues inherent in GIS development and commercialisation; and a comparison of the legal treatment of GIS in the US.