A new year means new challenges for surveying and spatial practitioners, and 2017’s first issue of Position magazine will map out these key areas of disruption.

January 2017 marks the launch of Australia’s new datum, GDA2020, and as such Position’s February/March issue will deliver a special feature on Dynamics & Datums. A selection of articles present insights from Surveyor Generals, GIS professionals and software providers side by side.

In an exclusive Q&A, the leading man behind the datum modernisation program, Michael Giudici, sheds new light on how the changes will be realised and impact location professionals.

On the other hand, insights for GIS professionals and surveyors show specifically how this affects operations on the ground and in the office.

With so many methods at our disposal to capture an object in 3D, choosing the right tool for the job has become increasingly complex in 2017. Position editor Anthony Wallace’s extended feature article “Capturing Reality: dealing with the demand for 3D” brings together industry perspectives to provide a snapshot and playbook for all things 3D.

If you would like to map out your efforts for the coming year, please refer to the 2017 Position & Spatial Source Media Kit.

From the capture of data, right through to processing, modelling and visualisation, you will be surprised to discover the savings to be had, the novel approaches arising and the next-generation visualisation tools already in use.

The start of a new year is also a time for reflection on what is most important, and to set into action the initiatives needed for society’s most pressing issues. That’s why our Environment in Mind feature examines the solutions to global issues that are becoming more real each day, such as climate change, sustainable development, food security and biodiversity loss.

Kate Fairlie from Land Equity International provides some insights on how sustainable urban development might be the answer we need. Likewise, a University of Queensland study shows how crowdsourced data can help save sensitive ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll learn about these issues and a whole lot more in the February/March issue of Position. If you have anything to contribute to these discussions, feel free to send your suggestions across to jon@intermedia.com.au.