Place names are and most likley will always be the initial means of spatial communication, and provide a vital key in accessing data. Consistancy, comprehensiveness and reliability of this key data set is therefore a fundamental tool in the spatial environment

This presentation will discuss the development of gazetteers as a fundemental data set in land information systems. It will draw on the experience of the Australian and New Zealnd place naming authorties.

This will include consideration of such aspects as:

Single point of truth and data availability

State/Territory vs National data sets

Official names plus points of interest plus road names

Multi agency mainenance of aspects of a comprehensive gazetteer.