- Author Jonah Lafferty and Anindilyakwa Land Council
- Publish date 24 May 2023
- Type Presentations
- Documents
- First Nations led business development
Summary
This presentation showcases how the Anindilyakwa Land Council is integrating Indigenous priorities, cultural knowledge and data sovereignty principles into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing projects across the Groote Archipelago. The project combines traditional knowledge with modern mapping technologies to support culturally informed land and sea management, planning and decision-making.
The initiative involved the collection of high-resolution aerial imagery and airborne LiDAR data across more than 3,350 square kilometres of Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island and surrounding islands. These datasets were used to develop mapping products such as digital terrain models, canopy height models and contour mapping, providing valuable information for community-led planning and on-Country management activities.
A key focus of the project was building local Indigenous capacity to use GIS technologies and ensuring spatial planning tools reflected cultural priorities and traditional owner aspirations. Community mapping activities documented place names and supported local engagement in the interpretation and use of geospatial data.
The project also explored how the geospatial and remote sensing industries can better engage with Traditional Owners and adapt project delivery to respect Indigenous data sovereignty principles. Findings highlighted the importance of community-led approaches, culturally appropriate data governance and partnerships that enable Indigenous peoples to control how information about Country is collected, managed and used.
The overarching objective was to investigate the implications of Indigenous Data Sovereignty for the remote sensing industry while demonstrating how geospatial technologies can support Indigenous-led land management, planning and sustainable development outcomes.
Presented at the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference, Darwin, May 2023.
Projects
Integrating Indigenous priorities in spatially enabled planning of the Indigenous Estate
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are essential tools for natural resource management, environmental monitoring and economic development. However, remote First Nations organisations face significant barriers to accessing these technologies, particularly where conventional mapping systems do not adequately reflect Traditional Owner knowledge and cultural priorities. Led by the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC), this project developed a community-led approach to spatial planning across the Groote Archipelago in the Northern Territory, combining advanced geospatial technologies with Anindilyakwa cultural knowledge to support informed decision-making about Country. Delivered in partnership with Aerometrex, Geoscience Australia and the Australian National University, the project integrated high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR, terrain modelling and participatory mapping into a community-controlled geospatial information system. Aerial surveys covering approximately 3,375 km² generated foundational spatial datasets to support land and sea management, cultural heritage protection, infrastructure planning and climate adaptation. Project outcomes and impact Completed in 2026, the project delivered significant benefits for the Anindilyakwa Land Council, including: First Nations capability: Strengthened Traditional Owner participation in planning and decision-making, supporting cultural authority and Indigenous data sovereignty. Employment and skills: Supported approximately 7.5 FTE years of employment, local technical training and two postgraduate research students. Reduced costs: Established reusable spatial datasets, reducing duplication of surveys and improving efficiencies across land management, infrastructure and research activities. New investment: Contributed to approximately $1.56 million in subsequent cash and in-kind research funding through the strengthened ALC–Australian National University partnership. Cultural and environmental benefits: Improved cultural heritage mapping, environmental monitoring and coastal risk assessment. The project received the 2024 NT Geospatial Excellence Award for Community Impact, recognising its innovative, community-led approach. A lasting legacy The project’s spatial datasets and planning tools provide an enduring resource for the ALC, supporting ongoing Sea Country management, cultural heritage protection, climate adaptation and future economic development opportunities. The research also establishes a practical model for other First Nations organisations across northern Australia to integrate cultural knowledge with advanced geospatial technologies while maintaining ownership and control over their spatial information. Watch the video