Meridian Awards 2010

VGMaps – Valuer-General Mapping Application System A GIS-based mapping and database application allowing valuers to take all relevant data into the field, using spatial and textual database to accurately capture relevant data enabling an computer-assisted valuation process in the field as well as in the office. Valuers at Tasmania’s Office of the Valuer-General (OVG) are using innovative GIS and database software that enables editing and validation of valuation data in the field as well as in the office.

Prior to VGMaps, valuers manually collated data from various sources and formats, matching, comparing and interpreting data manually. Much of the data was maintained hardcopy format and maps differing scales, together with data from external sources. OVG is the government agency that provides statutory valuations for all properties in the Tasmania, as well as client valuations for government assets and taxation purposes. OVG is staffed with approximately 35 valuers and support staff located in three offices servicing the entire state of Tasmania. VGMaps has been developed as a collaboration of Geographic Information System (GIS) and traditional forms-based textual database applications. The system is a fully interactive mapping and database system providing tools that can be operated ‘in-house’ and ‘in the field’ providing map-based and traditional database forms for selecting, viewing, editing and validating data are critical to the power and success of VGMaps.

The technology and supporting architecture of VGMaps complies with a wide range of industry standards within geospatial, database and IT standard operating system (SOE) platforms. The fact that the system is developed in-house using MapInfo Professional and Microsoft Access and fully compliant with corporate SOE constraints means the use of VGMaps is spreading to other business units within DPIPWE. Mapping and GIS has traditionally been the domain of spatial information specialists who have comprehensive training in the use of GIS. VGMaps allows valuers to remain fully operational without the need for specialised GIS professionals. This is achieved by using customised tools and screens that use ‘valuer methods and terminology’, not the traditional GIS or cartographic terms. VGMaps is designed for valuers with a simple-to-use GIS and database user interfaces. It’s no accident that the system has been designed to be used from either a MapInfo Professional or Microsoft Access database user interface. Some valuers prefer to use a mapping interface while other valuers prefer to use a textual database interface. That’s what is unique about VGMaps - it provides both options, with direct links from map-to-database and database-to-map.

The system is comprised of MapInfo Professional; specialist mapping application programs developed using MapInfo MapBasic and a comprehensive Microsoft Access database. As well as using and linking MapInfo Professional and Microsoft Access forms, VGMaps also provides a data interface with the Valuation Information System of Tasmania (Vistas), the corporate web-based Oracle database system. VGMaps has proven to be invaluable to valuers and property people in the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, as well as other government agencies in Tasmania. With the customisation of MapInfo Professional easier and faster to use, the task of checking and processing valuations can be as simple as a few clicks of the mouse. This is one of the key success factors of VGMaps; it is designed for valuers and non-technical people, not GIS professionals. Another key factor is that VGMaps is designed as a mobile, portable system allowing people to take GIS and databases out into the field. Once in the field, data and observations are updated in VGMaps. When used in conjunction with a GPS unit, location based information is verified at the point of truth. When the valuers return to the office, data is uploaded into the mainframe valuation roll, Vistas.

VGMaps has revolutionised the way valuers and land management people work. Prior to VGMaps, the Office of the Valuer-General was predominantly paper-based for analysis and visualisation of valuation data. With the use of thematic displays, standard queries and analytical tools OVG is better able to visualise and analyse the evidence of the property market and determine relevant statutory valuations. As the system designer and programmer, I worked closely with staff in developing tools that ideally suit the work they undertake. Whether it’s an entire municipal area, a client valuation or supplemental valuation, valuers are now equipped with ‘best practice’ tools and techniques providing unprecedented opportunity. We are increasing our capabilities, our data quality and improving the work environment. Warrick Coverdale, the Valuer-General of Tasmania says, “I believe we are leading the revolution in technology change for statutory valuation systems with our VGMaps suite. We have regular dialog with all other Australian statutory valuation jurisdictions, and their interest in VGMaps confirms we are building and using best practice solutions for valuations.”