William Scott
Australia’s infrastructure sector is booming, with many ambitious projects in the pipeline. However, it’s hampered by a critical skills shortage. Luckily, Australian Spatial Analytics (ASA) offers a unique solution: a neurodiverse workforce with exceptional skills in handling vast datasets vital for efficient infrastructure delivery.
Infrastructure projects: the data deluge
Modern projects generate a staggering amount of data throughout their lifecycle. This includes the complexities of managing vast utility networks, including electricity, water and gas, each with intricate location information and maintenance requirements. This is the world of big data in infrastructure, and navigating it effectively is crucial for successful project delivery and operations.
At the same time, the geospatial and engineering professions are experiencing talent shortages, adversely impacting Australia’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure. However, an untapped talent pool is available to fill these crucial positions right now: neurodivergent people.
ASA: an introduction
ASA is one of Australia’s largest work-integrated social enterprises. Since 2020, they’ve enabled careers for over 220 young neurodivergent adults, including autistic Australians facing a staggering 34% unemployment rate. This disadvantaged demographic is often overlooked but frequently shows strengths in data analysis, pattern recognition, and detail-oriented work: skills ideally suited to big data management.
ASA consistently delivers professional and award-winning data services for real-world critical infrastructure projects nationwide, including roads, rail and electricity networks, and for all levels of government. They help solve skills shortages and data sovereignty/modern slavery concerns by empowering young neurodivergent adults to perform essential work that typically occurs overseas. In recognition of ASA’s success in creating economic and social impact, CEO Geoffrey Smith has been recognised internationally and won the 2025 Queensland Australian of the Year.
Building better airports with Brisbane Airport
Airports are like small cities with multiple asset classes. Brisbane Airport has partnered with ASA to deliver geospatial and digital engineering services to enhance their asset management and operations. For geospatial, ASA’s data analysts update multiple GIS datasets to establish a ‘single source of truth’, integrating multiple features, such as drainage and vegetation maintenance areas, into a single format using ArcGIS Pro. Over 30,000 features have been digitised to date.
ASA’s Digital Engineering team supports Brisbane Airport by delivering high-quality Building Information Modelling (BIM) for key airport infrastructure. Working closely with Brisbane Airport, ASA analysts consolidate decades of as-built documentation, point cloud scans, and CAD data into a unified Enterprise Asset Information Model (AIM). This Revit-based BIM enhances Brisbane Airport’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system, ensuring accurate data across architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire, and hydraulic assets. ASA’s analysts focus on data verification, metadata attribution, and ensuring compliance with Brisbane Airport’s Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI) standards. Beyond modelling, ASA also assists with data migration and quality improvements, helping Brisbane Airport establish a reliable, single source of truth for asset management.
This work has given ASA analysts valuable experience in Revit and digital engineering. Many have since progressed to larger BIM projects or secured roles with other inclusive engineering and infrastructure employers.
Infrastructure projects can create social impact from their supply chains
ASA offers a compelling value proposition for the infrastructure sector. The benefits of ASA’s approach extend beyond improved project efficiency. By actively supporting neurodivergent people, organisations like Brisbane Airport can foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce. This leads to a broader range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches, ultimately driving innovation.
By partnering with ASA, organisations can have their data needs met whilst creating social impact. This collaborative approach fosters a more data-driven culture, leading to better decision-making and improved project outcomes. ASA also meets the requirements of the Commonwealth Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 by delivering essential data work in Australia. It is also a member of the Trusted Information Sharing Network, run by the Department of Home Affairs.
By embracing neurodiversity, Australian infrastructure projects can be delivered faster, more efficiently, and with a positive impact. ASA represents the future of infrastructure delivery, where neurodivergent talent meets cutting-edge technology to build a brighter tomorrow.
Find out how you can embrace (neuro)diversity as a competitive advantage at asanalytics.com.au.
