ACT Block Report FAQs
Common questions about the ACT Block Report. A fast site analysis tool for Canberra properties that includes block boundaries, easements, heritage overlays, solar building envelopes, contours, and DXF export. The report is a great alternative to ACTmapi as it presents key datasets in one place.
Sample search result
Is the information in the ACT Block Report accurate and up to date?
Yes – the data is sourced directly from the official ACT Government Geospatial Data Catalogue. Contours and building outlines are sourced from OpenStreetMap and should be treated as approximations only. Keep in mind, this report is intended as a preliminary site analysis tool only. The information should not be relied upon for final design, construction, or legal purposes. A survey by a registered surveyor is required before commencing formal plans or any works on site.
What information is included in the ACT Block Report?
The report includes the following: block details (no./section/division), ACT zoning, block size, block boundaries, easements, mature trees, manholes, driveway at the approved verge crossing point, approximate contours, heritage overlay, bushfire overlay, solar building envelopes, street edges, and open space adjacent to a block. Where available, an outline of buildings on the block and adjacent blocks is also included.
Can I find building locations using the ACT Block Report?
Yes – an outline of buildings is available for approximately 50% of residential blocks in the ACT. Where this information is available it will automatically be added to the map. Note that this information is sourced from OpenStreetMap and ACT Government 'building footprint' data. It should be treated as an approximation only.
What is included in the DXF file?
The DXF file includes all the layers visible on the map. It also includes contours set to Australian Height Datum (AHD). These can be used to quickly create topo surfaces in drafting packages such as Revit.
Sample DXF opened in CAD
Why is the ACT Block Report better than ACTmapi?
The ACT Block Report sources data directly from multiple ACT Government open geospatial datasets and assembles them into a single, easy-to-read map. Unlike ACTmapi, which displays each dataset in a separate map, the ACT Block Report brings everything together in one place. It also includes a DXF file export of all map layers, making it easy to import into CAD or drafting software.
How do I check if an ACT property has a heritage or bushfire overlay?
The ACT Block Report automatically searches for heritage and bushfire overlays. If an overlay is found, an alert will be shown on the map and listed in the block details. You can also cross-check with the ACT Heritage Register and ACTmapi.
How do I check for solar building envelope on my block?
The ACT Block Report automatically checks for solar building envelopes. Enter your address and generate a report. If a solar envelope applies to your block, it will appear as a layer on the map and be included in the DXF download.
Sample solar building envelope
Is the ACT Block Report free to use?
The ACT Block Report is free to use. You only pay to download the DXF file export, which costs $15. The DXF includes all map layers and contours set to Australian Height Datum (AHD), ready to import into CAD or drafting software such as Revit.
Can I use the ACT Block Report for commercial projects?
Yes - the ACT Block Report is suitable for use by building designers, architects, landscape architects, town planners, and other construction professionals as a preliminary site analysis tool. The report provides a fast, consolidated view of block boundaries, zoning, easements, overlays, and contours, helping to quickly assess a site before commencing formal plans.