The Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration has marked its first 25 years, using the occasion to award the Gary Nairn Leadership Medal to Professor Ian Williamson.
By Katie Potts
The University of Melbourne’s Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration (CSDILA) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and marked the occasion with the presentation of the Gary Nairn Leadership Medal to Emeritus Professor Ian Williamson AM.
Held at Melbourne Connect at the University of Melbourne on 29 October 2026, the hybrid celebration brought together more than 180 participants from more than 25 countries to celebrate CSDILA’s achievements, its impact and also to recognise the people and partnerships behind its work.
The event marked more than two decades of research and innovation across the geospatial and land sector.
Congratulatory messages from leading agencies and international organisations acknowledged the Centre’s collaborations and the wider impact of its work. Contributions from invited speakers explored current trends in the geospatial sector, the evolution of markets and services, and opportunities for research, government and industry to work together.
Honouring leadership and contribution
The presentation of the Gary Nairn Leadership Medal was a highlight of the occasion, alongside other recognitions acknowledging leadership, service, technical innovation and collaboration.
Professor Williamson AM was awarded the Medal in recognition of his enduring contribution to land administration and spatial information, connecting research with the needs of government and society. The award of the Medal also acknowledged the influence of his leadership and mentorship on generations of researchers and practitioners, and his leadership in the first 5 years of the Centre.
The Centre also presented Distinguished Leadership Recognition Awards to Jamie Leach (Chair of CSDILA’s Industry Advisory Group), Melissa Harris PSM (CEO of Geoscience Australia) and Glenn Cockerton (Director of Spatial Vision). These awards recognised their leadership and valued contributions to the wider geospatial and land sector, together with their support for CSDILA’s research, innovation and impact.
Ms Susheila Vijendran (Registrar of Titles and Executive Director of Land Registry Services, Land Services Victoria) accepted the award on behalf of Harris, who was unable to attend.
Continuing Gary Nairn’s legacy
The Gary Nairn Leadership Medal honours the late Honourable Gary Nairn AO (1951–2024) and recognises leadership and excellence in service to the geospatial industry.
Nairn was a longstanding supporter of education, research and the geospatial profession. His connection with CSDILA included more than a decade of service as a member and Chair of its International Industry Advisory Group.
Established in 2024, the Medal recognises contributions that reach beyond individual achievement to the people, institutions and ideas that advance the sector.
The inaugural medals were presented in April 2025 to Drew Clarke, Dr Eng. Mohammed AlSayel and Professor Qin Yan during the Geospatial Leadership Training and Global Forum in Melbourne.
A quarter-century of collaboration
Established at the University of Melbourne in November 2001, CSDILA was begun with a focus on spatial data infrastructures and land administration, and on making spatial information more accessible and useful to governments and society.
Over the following 25 years, its work expanded alongside changes in the geospatial sector. Its research now spans land administration, spatial data infrastructures, digital twins, urban analytics and emerging geospatial technologies, with applications across planning, sustainability and the management of the built environment.
The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on this development and the relationships that have supported it. Bringing together participants in Melbourne and online also connected members of a community whose work and collaborations extend well beyond the University.
Led by CSDILA Director Professor Abbas Rajabifard, the celebration reflected on the Centre’s research, education and engagement, while looking towards its next chapter. The program placed the Centre’s achievements within the wider evolution of geospatial markets and services, and the growing role of spatial information in decision-making.
Recognising the wider community
The celebration also acknowledged contributions from across the Centre’s professional and research community, including significant service and technical innovation by early career researchers.
Land Services Victoria was recognised for its valued contributions, support and continuing collaboration with the Centre since its inception, particularly for its support for the establishment of the Centre.
Members of CSDILA’s International Industry Advisory Group were also acknowledged for their support and guidance, including their role in connecting the Centre with industry perspectives and helping inform its direction.
Together, these acknowledgements highlighted the range of people and organisations involved in sustaining a research centre: those who establish its direction, those who develop new knowledge and technologies, and those who help connect that work with practical needs.
As CSDILA looks beyond its first 25 years, these relationships remain central to its work. The anniversary celebrated a record of research and innovation while recognising the mentorship, institutional support and collaboration that make lasting contributions possible.
Dr Katie Potts is a Research Fellow with the Centre for Spatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration (CSDILA) at the University of Melbourne.
