Utilising the well-known shape of the Australian continent and simply outlining the area of the state of South Australia, provided answers to locational questions as well as providing an identity for the state. The state name was often misunderstood more as a description of southern Australia and often referred to as S.A.

Internationally this was often interpreted as South Africa, Saudi Arabia or South America. In establishing its location, it also provided opportunity for the state to infer its position as the major entry point to the country: a portal for import and export of goods and services.