The Infrastucture System

AuScope is an Infrastructure System that represents a new paradigm in geoscience (including geospatial) research, applied geoscience and consequent value delivery to the broader Australian community. By Infrastructure System we mean a combination of research infrastructure (as envisaged by NCRIS) and applied science infrastructure that is of benefit to the broader community. The AuScope Infrastructure System is a seamless, broadly accessible, fully integrated blend of technology, data and knowledge infrastructure that will transform geosciences practice of and outcomes over the next 5 to 10 years.

It was built on the principle that simply acquiring infrastructure and making it accessible to meritorious researchers is only part of the solution and a paradigm shift was needed that would come from harnessing, organising and providing ready access to the data, information and knowledge that came as a result of use of the AuScope infrastructure. This in turn would make new data, information and knowledge available outside the research community resulting in new and improved science, business, educational and policy applications.

Understanding AuScope

The AuScope Project was designed provide for the establishment of the AuScope Infrastructure System a Geoscience and Geospatial Infrastructure System that combines traditional research infrastructure with applied science infrastructure. The AuScope Infrastructure System is a seamless, broadly accessible, fully integrated blend of technology, data and knowledge infrastructure that will transform the practice of and outcomes from geoscience for researchers, industry and the wider community.

The AuScope Infrastructure System is ultimately designed to enable the progressive construction, refinement and ongoing enrichment of an online live, four-dimensional Earth Model for the Australian Continent and its immediate environs. The AuScope Model aims to transform the research landscape in earth science as envisaged in the AuScope infrastructure circle.

AuScope Infrastructure Science Plan

The blue parts have been built wholly (or very largely) with NCRIS and co-invested funds enumerated in the Investment Plan. The orange parts have significant input from other programs such as EIF and CRIS, or were built entirely from other investment sources.

Management and implementation

AuScope Ltd has overall responsibility for the management and implementation of the Infrastructure Program.

AuScope Ltd is the management company, and sub-contracts with organisations to establish, operate and/or provide access to project infrastructure as defined in the Project Plan.