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Introduction

Applied Land Systems Pty Ltd (also trading as Applied Business Support) was established to provide a platform for its director, Robert Twin to explore the private sector opportunities to meet the needs of clients by combining his set of skills and experience across the surveying, GIS and business support disciplines. With many years’ experience in the spatial information space across a range of application areas, current technology presents the potential for unique approaches and solutions. There is a growing awareness of the potential to integrate location information with business objectives, and this is the major driver for the company moving forward.

Director profile

The sole Director of Applied Land Systems Pty Ltd, Robert Twin was captivated by location and mapping during early involvement in the Scouting movement. This led to initial studies and experience in cartography and then surveying, leading to cadastral registration with the Tasmanian Land Surveyor’s Board in 1978. After gaining experience in cadastral, topographic and geodetic surveying, Robert’s career moved towards the developing technology of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), a combination of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and digital databases.

Along with further education in this field, Robert developed a pilot GIS in the Tasmanian Government which led to a period of 15 months undertaking a similar development for the State of Penang in Malaysia. On his return to Tasmania Robert project-managed the data component of Australia’s first Land Information System to be delivered online, ‘The LIST’. This system won a USA Spatial Information Award. During this time Robert led state-based specialists in developing national spatial data standards.

In 2002 Robert moved to Canberra and took up a position to implement a similar system in the ACT. This led to further management appointments in the ACT Government with a focus on asset information and acceptance. Robert retired from the ACT Government in 2008 and formed Applied Land Systems Pty Ltd to continue his contribution to the land surveying and spatial information sector.

Scope of activities

  • Land surveying and measurement, including property boundary definition and identification

    surveys.

  • Digital mapping through Geographic Information Systems and controlled drone imagery.

  • Spatial information system design and implementation project management.

  • Spatial data acquisition, procurement, conversion and manipulation.

  • Strategic business management and support.

  • Risk assessments and reports.

Experience and Capabilities

Through its Director Robert Twin, Applied Land Systems Pty Ltd. offers a unique collection of skills and experience that can be applied to projects big or small to meet the spatial management and information system needs of government agencies, local government or private entities. The company is able to work independently or through consortia to bring about change and improved outcomes for a broad range of clients. With qualifications in surveying, spatial information management, and business, Robert has the capability to consider a task from both technical and business perspectives. The skill sets and experience available are listed below.

    • Field surveying and measurement with a focus on property and environmental applications.

    • Surveys based on robotic total station, GNSS and RPAS.

    • Extensive capability and knowledge of the potential of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

    • A sound understanding of data availability, data standards and specifications in relation to spatial information management.

    • Practical experience in the presentation of geographic information in all forms, including web and mobile interfaces.

    • Sound understanding of data modelling techniques; UML; and the representation of the real world through a GIS.

    • Knowledge of datum and projections, and the importance of appropriate positional accuracy and truth in labelling.

    • Small area mapping utilising RPAS (drone) technology.

    • Extensive experience in the preparation and presentation of technical papers, reports, project documents and newsletters.

    • An understanding of the issues related to remotely sensed data and its potential.

    • Requirement for the recording and management of metadata.

    • Cadastral Parcel modelling and LandXML.

    • A capacity to think and act strategically.

    • Over 30 years of project management specialising in surveying, GIS and asset information using Prince2 methodologies.

    • An understanding of the relative contributions made by the government and the private section in the collection, management, accessibility, and use of geographic information.

    • Extensive experience in the preparation of policies and agreements related to spatial information.

    • Experience in establishing data share arrangements and building on the efficiencies of data custodianship as the basis for spatial information management.

    • An understanding of the dynamics and benefits of multi-disciplinary teams and a preparedness to share in decision-making to secure commitment to business objectives.

    • Experience in managing in a culturally diverse international environment.

    • Organisational, financial and personnel management in government and Not for Profit settings.

    • SWOT analysis, objective setting and risk management using international standards.

    • Experience in providing tuition and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in spatial management.

    • Current - Registration as a Cadastral Surveyor NSW BOSSI SU008720 and in Tasmania

    • 2010 - Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional – Asia Pacific (GISP-AP)

    • 2001 – 2004 Master of Business Administration [University of Canberra]

    • 1988 – 1989 Post Graduate Diploma, Surveying Science [University of Tasmania] Specialising in Spatial Information Systems.

    • 1985 – 1986 Masters Qualifying [University of Tasmania]

    • 1976 – 1978 Certificate of Competency [Surveyors Board of Tasmania]

    • 1972 – 1975 Bachelor of Applied Science, Surveying [Tasmanian College of Advanced Education]

    • Lifelong support of committees at an executive level, for professional and not-for-profit organisations (current)

    • President and Treasurer – Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association Australia Inc. (current)

    • Company Secretary – Thredbo Farm Ski Lodge (current)

    • ACT Professional of the Year - 2012

    • Fellow – Geospatial Council of Australia

    • Member Institution of Surveyors NSW 2022

    • Certificate of Recognition – ICSM - 2001