October 2006


26 October 2006

Exploration in the third dimension

Geoscience Australia's 3D Visualisation Laboratory (3D Vizlab) is the latest research tool developed to aid geoscientists explore underground Australia.

3D image of Tasmania.

Launched by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, the 3D Vizlab is a full stereo theatre that uses three-dimensional imagery to identify Australia's underground resources.

The 3D Vizlab displays high quality geological interpretations and models that will be critical in exploring Australia for new ore bodies and petroleum fields. The information displayed allows geoscientists to probe Australia's continent without removing a single stone, and applies the latest cutting-edge technology.

"Unlike viewing a geological model on a flat computer screen, viewing the models in 3D creates the perception that you are underground, exploring the subsurface structures and systems of Australia," said the Parliamentary Secretary. "This tool will be invaluable for identifying new exploration opportunities, and for encouraging international interest".

The Parliamentary Secretary likened the theatre and its capabilities to 'something out of Star Wars'.

"It wasn't long ago when technology like this was only dreamed up in movie scripts, now it's becoming reality. This is the first big step into exploration methods for the 21st Century."


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26 October 2006

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13 October 2006

MapConnect online mapping has arrived

Geoscience Australia has launched MapConnect, the next generation of on-line mapping applications.

Section from the Mapconnect interface (Click to MapConnect)

MapConnect enables personal and professional users alike to download and print maps of their chosen area, in a standard web browser environment without the need for additional software. The application utilises Geoscience Australia's GEODATA TOPO 250K Series 3 data that covers the entire nation.

A unique feature of MapConnect is the ability to turn on and off specific feature layers. This means that users can customise their own map by including features that are important for their needs, or alternately, excluding features not required. The data is extracted directly from a spatial database that is constantly maintained to ensure that the most recent data is available to users.

Users can customise an area of interest (some download parameters apply) using the easy to use tools provided. For example, locating an area of interest is as simple as entering a place name or map sheet name then zooming to the location. The extents can then be selected before choosing the preferred download formats.

At this time, only GEODATA TOPO 250K Series 3 data (1:250 000 scale) is available via MapConnect, however, more national data sets at other scales will be accessible in time.


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10 October 2006

2007 University Cadetships

In 2007 Geoscience Australia is offering a unique cadetship scheme for Canberra based students who are embarking on their first year of university science studies.

Working at Geoscience Australia.

"We are looking for bright, enthusiastic young people pursuing careers in science. Working with the Australian National University, we are offering a tailored cadetship program of professional and diverse work experience placements, entwined with academic mentoring," said Dr Neil Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Geoscience Australia.

The cadetship scheme is open to all Canberra students who have done well in science and maths for their Year 12 Certificate and are about to apply for a place at the Australian National University in a science related degree. The cadetships will be offered to students entering degrees including the newly offered Bachelor of Global and Ocean Sciences (Honours), or to students completing science degrees with interests in geoscience related subjects.

"Geoscience Australia has created this cadetship scheme to encourage young people into science careers. Science careers are rewarding, exciting and diverse, and students who enter this scheme will be exposed to numerous professional work environments to enable them to make informed decisions about their futures. Geoscience Australia hopes that this program assists students in deciding their career pathways, and that it generates future geoscientists for Geoscience Australia," said Dr Williams.

Expressions of interest are currently being accepted, with all interviews occurring after university entrance scores have been released.

Please send your expression of interest to Tony Robinson, or contact him on 6249 9411 for more information.


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