Who do I contact to provide feedback on this service?

We welcome your questions, comments, or any other feedback that will help us improve this service - please use the Contact Us area of the site banner to generate a feedback email.

How do I search for data to download?

There are two steps involved in searching for data. Both steps have default values that can be changed to suit your requirements. You need to specify the area to search and the type of data to be searched.

1. To specify the area to search

   You can specify the area of interest in Queensland for your data search. If you wish to select a specific area of interest there are three options available

   • Using the map tools;
   • selecting a place name;
   • Typing the map bounding coordinates.

   Note: you can skip this step if you wish to search for data anywhere in Queensland as this is the default setting. You will need to ensure that the map window is reset to the whole of Queensland by using the Reset map button located on the right hand side of the map window.

   1. Using the map tools

      Your current map view will be used as your search area. You can change the map view by using the zoom in, zoom out and pan buttons located on the right hand side of the map window. You can do this as many times as you want until you have the right extent defined. If you have "windowed in" too far, use the Zoom out button to "back out" until the appropriate area has been defined.

      Alternatively, you can create an area of interest by drawing a rectangle or polygon in the map window. Define a window by "left clicking" on a point and, keeping the mouse button depressed, "pull" the rectangle being formed until it covers the area of interest and release the mouse button.

      You can reset the map window to the default setting by using the reset map button.

   2. Selecting a place name

      The place name search allows you to search for data over a specific Local Government Area or a Locality within the selected Local Government Area.

      Using the mouse, "left click" on the drop down box to identify the Local Government Area for your search and then scroll down to select the Local Government Area by a "left click" on the mouse. The map will redraw to centre on the selected Local Government Area. Only one Local Government can be selected at a time.

      Once a Local Government Area has been selected you have the option to define your area of interest to a locality. Using the mouse, "left click" on the drop down box to identify the locality for your search and then scroll down to select the locality by a "left click" on the mouse. The map will redraw to centre on the selected locality. Only one locality can be selected at a time.

   3. Typing the map bounding coordinates.

      Your area of interest can be defined by using coordinates. Using decimal degrees, insert the north and west coordinates in the relevant box for the top left hand corner of your area of interest, then insert the south and east coordinates in the relevant box for the bottom right hand corner of your area of interest. When you are done, use the mouse to "left click" on the update map button and the map will redraw based on the selected coordinates.

2. Defining the types of data to be searched

   You can define your search to data pertaining to:

   • a search name term;
   • and/or a selection from predefined categories;
   • and/or a government agency name.using the government agency name.

   You can leave these fields set to the default setting to view all available data for the area of interest.

   1. Search Terms

      If you enter a search term or phrase in the search term box, a list of corresponding data records available will be displayed.

      Entry of multiple search terms will return data record results that contain all those terms. For example, entry of the words salt water will return data records that include the terms salt or water. To return only data records including the phrase salt water, use double-quote characters around your search query (eg "salt water").

      Searches are not case sensitive (i.e. Fitzroy River and fitzroy river will return the same results).

      The search facility ignores short common words under three characters such as 'the', 'a' and 'of'.

   2. Topic category

      You can leave the topic category box on 'Any topic category' to view all available data for the specified area of interest. You can use the topic category to restrict your search to data pertaining to a particular theme or topic. The topic categories are based on an international standard for geospatial data.

      Using the mouse, "left click" on the drop down box and then scroll down to select the topic category for your search by a "left click" on the mouse. Only one topic category can be selected at a time.

   3. Data source

      You can leave the data source box on 'Any data source' (the default setting), to view all available information for the specified area of interest. Alternatively you may restrict results to data sourced from a particular government agency source.

      Using the mouse, "left click" on the drop down box and then scroll down to select the agency for your search by a "left click" on the mouse. Only one agency can be selected at a time.

Map Tool Help

There are a number of tool icons on the right hand side of the map window. Clicking a tool icon sets a mode for the map cursor to perform some action when you click or drag the mouse on the map. The active tool is outlined by a line around the button.

1. Zoom in (tool)

   This tool allows you to zoom in on the point clicked, or zoom in to the rectangular area drawn with the mouse - click-drag. More details are provided below.

   The Zoom in button allows you to window into your particular area on the map. You can do this in either of 2 ways.

   • Using the mouse, "left click" on the Zoom in button and then "left click" a point on the map you wish to be the centre of your selected area. You can do this as many times as you want until you have the right extent defined.
   • Define a window by "left clicking" on a point and, keeping the mouse button depressed, "pull" the rectangle being formed until it covers the area of interest and release the mouse button.

   If you have "windowed in" too far, use the Zoom out button to "back out" until the appropriate area has been defined.

2. Zoom out (tool)

   This tool allows you to zoom out from the point clicked so you can see more area with each "click". The map will be centred at the point clicked.

   You can also zoom out to the rectangular area drawn with the mouse (click-drag) to fill the entire map window.

3. Pan (tool)

   You can move the map around to display areas that are outside of the current map window. For example, you can use the Pan tool to move the area shown in the map window to the left, right, up or down.

   With the Pan tool active, you can click on the map and drag the map by "left clicking" the mouse cursor, keeping the left button depressed, dragging the map window until the adjusted area of interest is displayed. When the mouse button is released, the map will redraw.

4. Reset map (tool)

   You can clear the map window and reset to the map of Queensland, which is the initial map window view when you enter the search screen.

How do I use my data?

The Queensland Government Information Service provides data only and appropriate software is required to use the data.

The software requirements will vary as the Queensland Government Information Service provides a wide range of data. See the help page on 'Types of Data' for details.

Geographic Information System (GIS) software will be required to use the map coverage data, which is usually available in MapInfo tables and ESRI shapefiles. See the help page on 'Geographic Information System (GIS)' for details.

Image data is supplied in a range of formats, such as JPEG, GeoTIFF or a compressed format such as ECW. Some specific software and hardware may be required depending on the format and intended use of the image data.

Some software requirements will be needed for data supplied in text file format, however this will be dependant on the intended use of the data. However, most text file data will be in a delimited field structure per record.

What definitions of terms are used on this site ?

Datum

The datum relates to the data's position on the earth and is assumed to be GDA94 for datasets on the service. See the metadata record for each dataset for this field.

Image

An image is a 'picture", generally taken from above, of an area at a given point of time. Examples of images include aerial photography or satellite images. Images may be available in one of several formats, such as Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) or JPEG file or GeoTIFF format or a compressed storage format such as ECW. Compressed formats may require special software to enable them to be displayed.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A Geographic Information System (GIS) is an integrated system of software, hardware, data and tools that deliver spatial data (maps, images, etc.) with any associated tabular or attribute information. A GIS will display the feature and its position in relation to surrounding objects in the form of a map, and also label the feature and provide details about the feature and references to other relevant reports and databases. Unlike a map alone, you can perform complex queries and (depending upon the structure and content of the underlying databases) discover details about features that meet certain user-defined criteria. A GIS provides not only the "where" but the "what," and then it enables you to analyse that feature in relation to other objects nearby. GIS is a powerful tool for visualisation and analysis.

Map coverage

A map coverage contains geospatial information about the location of features. This data is generally stored on a computer and manipulated using software to view the data and query the information and attributes stored in the data.

Metadata

Metadata describes information, objects or resources and may be used for many purposes, including the management, control and discovery of records. Metadata literally means 'data about data'. Metadata provides additional information to users of the data to facilitate the understanding, characteristics and usage of data. This service depends upon metadata to support the discovery of spatial data sets and resources. Each dataset available through this service has a metadata file which can be viewed. The metadata file is also supplied with the data.

Shapefile

Shapefiles are a spatial (vector) format created by ESRI. GIS software is required to view and use this format of data.

TAB file

This is a MapInfo standard spatial (vector) format. GIS software is required to view and use this format of data.

Text file

In computer terminology, a text file is a kind of computer file that is structured in a series of records with one record showed per line of the file. Each line contains a number of fields and a method of separation, usually a special character called a delimiter( eg a comma). Each field can contain characters or integers.

What is the currency, scale and accuracy of the data?

Currency

You can find the date that the data was created by looking in the metadata which is available for each dataset. Data may be updated from time to time. If it is important that you have up to date data then you should check this website regularly.

Scale

The scale of data varies and you should check the metadata which is available for each dataset to determine whether it is at a scale appropriate for your intended use.

Data layers displayed in the Map Window are scale dependent. That is, data layers will or will not be visible depending on the scale of the Map Window. The purpose of making layers scale dependent is to avoid confusion caused by too much detail of any particular layer or combination of layers on the Map Window. It also reduces the drawing time when the Map Window is refreshed.

Accuracy

The positional accuracy may vary depending on the scale of the data. You should check the accuracy references contained in the metadata for each dataset to determine if it is appropriate for your intended use.

Reliability

The data is sourced from the most accurate, best available data at the time of creation. These sources vary with the datasets. You should refer to the metadata supplied with the data.

How do I download data?

You need to search the available data and then add the selected data you require to you data order in your shopping cart. Please refer to the Help pages instructions for details regarding searching and using the shopping cart.

You will only be able to download data up to a data download size limit set by this service. The data download size limit is currently set at 150MB for a data file and/or a data order.

If a data file or your total data order exceeds the data download size limit you will not be able to download the data file or your data order, however you will be able order the data for postal delivery on a DVD. Alternatively you can edit your data order in your shopping cart by removing data until it is below the download size limit.

The data download size limit is reviewed from time to time to ensure a reasonable balance is achieved between searching the available data, submitting data orders and the processing of data orders.

I know a certain dataset exists but why can I not find it in the Queensland Government Information Service?

There are many tools and functions available to help you search and access the available data. We suggest that you read through the search tips in the help section to ensure that you are searching correctly.

The data you are seeking may not be a Queensland Government datasets or it may not be available in the Queensland Government Information Service. The Queensland Government agency which owns the data may not have made the metadata and/or the data accessible by this service. You should contact the agency most likely to be the owner of the data. The search results returned for similar data to the data you are seeking may give you a guide as to the relevant agency and the contact details.

What do I need to use this service?

To complete this internet data search and download service, you will need a:

• Credit card.
  Note: Some data can be accessed without the need for a credit card, e.g. free data. A credit card will be required if a fee applies to access the data and/or if you select postage delivery on a DVD. Fees to access the data are included in the metadata and are also presented in the search result and shopping cart screens.
• Email address, unless requesting postal delivery on a DVD.
• Postal address, if you select postage delivery on a DVD.

How do I use this service?

The process to use this service is shown below. To return to the page you were working on, use the back button on your Internet Browser, then Refresh the page. Your selections you had made should still exist.

Search screen:

• Specify the area to search (see Help for details)
• Select the type of data (see Help for details)
• Click Submit to undertake the search
• Alternatively click Clear to redefine your search

Search results screen:

• Review the search results and click on the title and/or publisher links to access further information to assess the suitability of the data for your intended use
• Click Add to cart to include the data in your shopping cart order
  Note:
  
  • Only one dataset at a time can be added to your cart
  • If adding the dataset exceeds the download limit for this service, you will be given a message that the delivery method will be changed to post by DVD and you will incur a charge for shipping and handling. You can click Continue to proceed with the order or click Cancel which will return you to the Search results screen
• Alternatively click Redefine search to change your search or click New search to specify a new search

Format options for vector dataset screen:

• If you add a vector format dataset to your cart, you will be given the option to select a format for the data. Click ESRI Shape File or Map Info Tab File
• Click Continue to proceed
• Alternatively click Cancel to return to the Search results screen

Licence details screen:

• Data is supplied with a licence and by using the data you confirm that you have read the licence conditions included with the data and that you agree to be bound by the terms of the licence.
• Click I accept the licence conditions at the bottom of the screen and then click Continue to proceed. Note that you need to click I accept the licence conditions to proceed with the data order.
• If you click Cancel the licence will be cancelled and you will return to the Search results screen

Adding your data order to your shopping cart screen:

• A message is displayed at the top of the screen above your search results stating that the data order has been added to your cart.
• To add additional data from your search results to your cart, click Add to cart to repeat the process.
• Click Redefine search to change your search or click New search to specify a new search.
• A preview of your order in your cart is shown on the right hand side of the screen. The data you have ordered and the cost will be displayed.
• To change your order in cart preview window from download to postage delivery on a DVD; click Post DVD and then click Update.
• To view your cart, click View cart in cart preview window
• To continue to finalise your order and checkout, click Checkout in cart preview window.

View cart screen:

• The data you have selected and the cost will be displayed.
• To remove selected data, click Remove beside the data to be removed from your order. You will be returned to your search results screen and a message is displayed at the top of the screen above your search results stating that the data has been removed from your cart.
• To continue, click Checkout

Checkout - Customer details screen:

For a download order:

• On the Customer details page, enter your email details (all those marked with an asterisk * are required fields) and click Continue.
• For email make sure you enter an email address (in the format username@server.madeup.au) without any typing errors.
• If you miss a required field, an error message will appear telling you what you have missed.
• If you need a tax invoice, click on Tax details.
• Other details will assist us if we need to contact you regarding your data order. For example your name and telephone number. This information will only be used for the purpose of providing your data order.

For a postal order:

• On the Customer details page, enter your contact and postal details (all those marked with an asterisk are required fields) and click Continue.
• Searches can be posted to overseas destinations.
• If you miss a required field, an error message will appear telling you what you have missed.
• If you need a tax invoice, click on Tax details
• Other details will assist us if we need to contact you regarding your data order. For example your name and telephone number. This information will only be used for the purpose of providing your data order.

Checkout - Confirm details screen:

• Carefully check your details so that your order can be promptly processed.
• If necessary, edit your contact details, tax details and delivery details by using the edit tools on the right hand side of the screen.
• If necessary, you can change your order by clicking on Change order at the bottom of the screen. You will return to your cart.
• Click Place Order to finalise your order.
• If your order requires a payment, you will move to a "Pay by credit card Page

Pay by credit card screen:

• You will need to have your VISA or MasterCard ready.
• Click on your credit card type (VISA or MasterCard - other credit card types are not accepted).
• Insert your card number, expiry date of your card and the name on the card.
• Click on Pay now to finalise your payment. Your card will be verified and charge the amount shown on the screen

Receipt screen:

• You will be notified that your order has been received with a note to please print or record the details on this page and retain for your records.
• You may need to quote your receipt number if issues arise with your order.

Notification - email

For a data download order:

• You will receive an email notification when your requested data is available for download.
• The email notification will also reference your order ID number, your receipt ID number (if relevant) and that the data will remain available for download until a specified date (usually one month following your order date). You need to download your data order prior to this expiry date, otherwise it will be removed and you will need to reorder the data.
• The email will contain one or more links to ZIP files of your requested data. Clicking on any of the links will prompt you to save a ZIP file to your computer.
• The ZIP file will contain a number of files that have been compressed. There are many software utilities available to create, modify or open ZIP files.

For a postage order on DVD:

• You will receive an email notification that your requested data has been processed and has been despatched. Please allow for normal postal delivery times.
• Your DVD will contain one or more ZIP files of your requested data.
• The ZIP file will contain a number of files that have been compressed. There are many software utilities available to create, modify or open ZIP files.

How is the data delivered to me?

There are two options for delivery:

• By an email confirmation of the direct download location page
• As a DVD product for postal delivery

How do I use the shopping cart?

There are two parts to the shopping cart:

• Adding your data order from the Queensland government Information service to its own shopping cart screen. This cart holds the details of your order size compared to allowable direct download threshold. If you change your order delivery method, you must clik the update button for the radio button setting to be configured.
• View the detailed cart screen used to hold whole of service orders offered by Smart Service Queensland. The detailed cart is used to delete all order items. On deletion of an item the page reverts back to the online service the order came from.

How do I enter my delivery details?

Please refer to the Checkout - Customer details screen: under the question How do I use this service?

What do I do if I do not receive my email notification or my postage delivery does not arrive?

• Please check that your email address or postal address in your order is correct.
• Use the Contact Us hyperlink contained within the site banner of this site to inform us of your delivery problems. You can help us by keeping your receipt number and details handy when contacting us.

When is my order fulfilled?

Download orders:

• Most download orders will be processed in the format you requested within 1 working day. You will be sent an email with links to pick up your order.
• Download orders will be available to pick up for a period of 1 month. After 1 month, your order may be purged from the delivery server.

DVD orders for post delivery:

• Most DVD orders for post delivery will be processed in the format you requested and despatched within 3 working days. You will be sent an email when your order has been processed and despatched for postage delivery.
• Average postage delivery times will vary depending on your location.

How do I pay for my order?

Currency

• All prices indicated throughout the order are in Australian dollars.

Costs

• The total cost of your order includes the data costs, postage delivery costs (if any) and applicable taxes (if any).
• On your VISA or MasterCard statement please look for a billing charge from the Queensland Government Information Service.

Can I cancel my order?

• Please check over the details of your order very carefully to ensure that you have selected the correct data before checkout and payment.
• After your credit card payment is processed, the order cannot be cancelled.

Refund Policy!

• Please choose carefully when ordering and purchasing data.
• We do not offer refunds however we will offer to exchange for an identical item if the data or delivery mechanism (ZIP files and/or DVD) is found to be faulty.

What restrictions are placed on the use of my data?

• Data is supplied with a licence and by using the data you confirm that you have read the licence conditions included with the data and that you agree to be bound by the terms of the licence.
• You need to click I accept the licence conditions to proceed with the data order.
• If you click Cancel the licence will be cancelled and you will return to the Search results screen
• The licence terms and conditions may vary for some datasets. You should carefully read and understand these terms and conditions prior to accepting. Once you agree, you are bound by these terms and conditions.
• If you have any questions about the licence terms and conditions please contact the owner of the data as shown in the metadata.

Who do I contact for more information or assistance or technical support?

• For more information on the Queensland Government Information Service browse the Help information located as a hyperlink on the site banner.
• The data made available through this service is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon for any particular purpose. The data is made available on the understanding that the Queensland Government is not engaged in rendering professional advice.
• You should view the metadata for information about the dataset. More information may also be available on the website of the agency that owns the data.
• You should contact the owner of the data as shown in the metadata before taking any action based on the data if you feel you need technical advice.