The establishment of a geographic information system in the Bundaberg district

A description of a geographic information system (GIS) and how it may be useful in the sugar industry was given at the Townsville conference by McKenzie (1990). GIS is not new technology but is increasingly being used to store, retrieve and analyse geographical and resource information in many situations. The Bundaberg productivity GIS is not just a computer with maps and software but a set of integrated data collection, verification and analysis procedures. Various types of equipment and data sources are used. Many individuals and organisations are involved, with the aim of providing reliable, relevant and rapid information to growers and researchers on all aspects of cane productivity. The BSC and GIS offers recording and analysis facilities for assignment control, farm records, cane transport, harvest control and land use planning.