FAQs
Got a question about A-SPEC? You're probably not the first — here are answers to some of the most common questions from the A-SPEC Community.
With a growing list of questions, the quickest way to find yours is to search the page (Ctrl+F on Windows, Cmd+F on Mac) for a keyword — like "cost," "accreditation," or "existing assets" — or browse by specification, as some questions are grouped under A-SPEC, B-Spec, D-Spec, O-Spec, R-Spec, S-Spec, W-Spec and X-Spec.
Can't find what you're after? Send us a message via our Contact page — feel free to attach files or photos if that helps explain what you need.
1. About A-SPEC
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is GISSA and what is their role in A-SPEC? | GISSA is a vendor-independent information management consultancy established in 1990. GISSA is the creator and manager of the specifications, and founded the A-SPEC Consortium. |
| What is A-SPEC? | A-SPEC is a common data specification that ensures 'As Constructed' infrastructure data is captured consistently and correctly, first time. It covers a range of asset types — including buildings, drainage, open space, and roads — through a suite of individual specifications developed with the A-SPEC Community. |
| How does A-SPEC inform a Digital Twin environment? | A Digital Twin is only as reliable as the data behind it. A-SPEC ensures that 'As Constructed' infrastructure data — from surveyors, contractors, and consultants — is captured in a consistent, machine-readable format from the outset. That consistency means the data can be reliably fed into and maintained within a Digital Twin, rather than requiring costly rework or reconciliation between different data sources and formats. |
| What's the difference between A-SPEC and D-Spec or the other specs? | Think of A-SPEC as the overarching framework, and D-Spec as one specific application of it — for stormwater drainage infrastructure. If you're supplying or receiving digital data about drainage assets like pipes, pits, or WSUD elements, you'll be working with D-Spec, but always alongside the A-SPEC Introduction & Overview document, which sets out the rules common to every specification in the suite (B-Spec, D-Spec, O-Spec, and so on). |
| What are the specifications under the A-SPEC framework? |
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| What kind of data does A-SPEC cover? | A-SPEC data typically addresses the location of an asset and its specific characteristics, to establish your asset inventory or register. |
2. Getting Started
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I'm not a GIS person, so what can I do? | The starting point for determining how you will create the data may be your surveyor, as many surveyors have specific capability to deliver A-SPEC data — typically because their surveying software vendor provides an A-SPEC output solution. If you are unsure, please contact GISSA. |
| Do I need to be a licensed or certified surveyor to do the field capture? | This is driven by the jurisdiction you are working in. Please confirm with your association or relevant government agency. |
| What's my starting point? | Whether you are a prospective subscriber or a service provider to an existing subscriber, we request you use the Contact form to outline your requirement.
For service providers, we have created the following guide to assist you: A-SPEC Quick Start Guide for Consultants Final 20260218. |
| How do I find out the detail I need to know for my project? | Three steps: (1) confirm which specification(s) apply to your project's asset types, (2) check the Downloads page for the current, required version of each, and (3) confirm your client's specific requirements, since these can vary by project even within the same specification. If anything's unclear, contact GISSA for guidance. |
3. Cost & Accreditation
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does A-SPEC cost? | Cost to customers (e.g. councils, utilities, and asset owners) is in the form of an annual subscription. Contact GISSA for pricing specific to your organisation.
There is no cost to service providers (surveyors, engineers, building contractors, landscape architects, etc.). In both situations, your organisation will be requested to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement to protect the intellectual property you will be exposed to. |
| Is A-SPEC transferable to other countries or jurisdictions? | Yes — contact GISSA to discuss the process. |
| Can I get accredited to deliver A-SPEC data, and what is the cost? | Yes, individuals can become accredited. This includes your capability to deliver against the specification's requirements, and how you communicate with the A-SPEC member to resolve any issues raised. Please contact GISSA for a quote — there is a set structure of an initial cost followed by an annual cost to maintain accreditation, though the amount will vary depending on what's required. |
4. Specifications & Data Requirements
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What if I have asset types that aren't included in the A-SPEC suite? | A-SPEC is designed for expansion to accommodate new and emerging infrastructure. X-Spec, for example, was introduced specifically to cover supplementary asset classes that don't naturally fit within the existing specifications. |
| What's the difference between the DDS version and the Existing Assets version of a specification? | The DDS version applies to newly constructed assets — for example, from subdivision developments or capital works. The Existing Assets version is used when assets are already built or installed and the capture is retrospective, such as confirming an existing inventory, hydraulic modelling, or flood plain mapping. |
| How do I capture historical or existing asset data? |
Start by accessin the specifications that have the term existing in their document name. For example "B-Spec - Existing - Version 1.0.6 FINAL 20230904-V5.pdf" Each attribute in the Existing Assets versions is categorised by how critical it is to capture:
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| What is the Harmonised Codelist, and how do I use it? | The Harmonised Codelist provides the standard codes used across all A-SPEC specifications for newly created assets. Some codes used in Existing Assets versions may not yet appear in this list. |
| What if the feature I have does not exist as a Code? | GISSA has developed a tool called the Code Dashboard that will enable you to create a new code and, at the same time, communicate this to GISSA. This can be accessed on the Resources page. |
5. Integration & Compatibility
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can A-SPEC data be integrated with other systems, such as financials? | Yes. Members use A-SPEC data to drive things like BIM, maintenance forecasting, cost forecasting, and asset performance monitoring. |
| Does A-SPEC compete with my existing asset management software? | A-SPEC is not an asset management package, and doesn't compete with your existing systems. It complements them by providing data in a standard format, and doesn't dictate the data models your systems use. |
| Does A-SPEC align with recognised industry standards? | Yes — A-SPEC currently aligns with standards such as AS 5488-2022, ISO 55000. |
| What's the relevant WSAA standard for water and wastewater data? | A-SPEC aligns with A Water Industry Guide for the Management of Asset Data using Uniclass, developed jointly by WSAA (Water Services Association of Australia) and BIM4Water. |
| Should I include A-SPEC requirements in my Project management Framework? | Yes - this will provide guidance to your project managment and project delivery teams as to the requirements based on your organisations "gated" approach. For example when to determine requirements, or how to communicate the requirements and tie them into the deliverables. |
6. Governance & Changes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How are changes to the specifications proposed and approved? | Once proposed, GISSA undertakes a consultation process with the A-SPEC Community. Enhancements are driven by the user Community, for the user Community. |
| Who can propose a change to A-SPEC? | Changes are initiated by suggestions from the A-SPEC Community and through research undertaken by GISSA. If you'd like to propose a change, contact GISSA — proposed changes currently under consideration can be viewed on the Proposed Changes for Feedback page. |
7. Submission & Compliance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the purpose of the Certification Form and the Quality Report? | Each submission must include a Certification Form and a Quality Report, as they provide specific details about the project. For convenience, these are combined into a single template, available for download on the relevant specification's reference page via your login. |
