A GIS FRAMEWORK FOR STREAMLINING THE NATURE REFUGE GAZETTAL PROCESS Vlatka Varagic QUT GIS Degree Equivalence Diploma Spatial Information Services Diploma Architectural Technician Advisory Committee Principle Supervisor: Dr John Hayes Associate Supervisor: Dr Arron Walker External Associate Supervisor: Mr Steve Jones Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science (Research) Centre for Built Environment and Engineering Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering Queensland University of Technology 2010
116
Embed
A GIS FRAMEWORK FOR STREAMLINING THE NATURE REFUGE ...eprints.qut.edu.au/37272/1/Vlatka_Varagic_Thesis.pdf · i Keywords Administrative boundaries, cartography, geographic information
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
A GIS FRAMEWORK FOR STREAMLININGTHE NATURE REFUGE GAZETTAL PROCESS
Vlatka VaragicQUT GIS Degree Equivalence
Diploma Spatial Information ServicesDiploma Architectural Technician
Advisory Committee
Principle Supervisor: Dr John Hayes
Associate Supervisor: Dr Arron Walker
External Associate Supervisor: Mr Steve Jones
Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Applied Science (Research)
Centre for Built Environment and Engineering
Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering
Queensland University of Technology
2010
i
Keywords
Administrative boundaries, cartography, geographic information systems,
Nature Refuges encompass the second largest extent of protected area estate in
Queensland. Major problems exist in the data capture, map presentation, data quality
and integrity of these boundaries. The spatial accuracies/inaccuracies of the Nature
Refuge administrative boundaries directly influence the ability to preserve valuable
ecosystems by challenging negative environmental impacts on these properties. This
research work is about supporting the Nature Refuge Programs efforts to secure
Queensland’s natural and cultural values on private land by utilising GIS and its
advanced functionalities. The research design organizes and enters Queensland’s
Nature Refuge boundaries into a spatial environment. Survey quality data collection
techniques such as the Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are investigated to capture
Nature Refuge boundary information. Using the concepts of map communication GIS
Cartography is utilised for the protected area plan design. New spatial datasets are
generated facilitating the effectiveness of investigative data analysis. The geodatabase
model developed by this study adds rich GIS behaviour providing the capability to
store, query, and manipulate geographic information. It provides the ability to
leverage data relationships and enforces topological integrity creating savings in
customization and productivity. The final phase of the research design incorporates
the advanced functions of ArcGIS. These functions facilitate building spatial system
models. The geodatabase and process models developed by this research can be easily
modified and the data relating to mining can be replaced by other negative
environmental impacts affecting the Nature Refuges. Results of the research are
presented as graphs and maps providing visual evidence supporting the usefulness of
GIS as means for capturing, visualising and enhancing spatial quality and integrity of
Nature Refuge boundaries.
iv
v
Table of Contents
Keywords .......................................................................................................................................... i
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... iii
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................. v
List of Figures ................................................................................................................................ vii
List of Tables................................................................................................................................... ix
List of Abbreviations ........................................................................................................................ x
Statement of Original Authorship .................................................................................................... xi
Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... xii
3.1 Capturing Nature Refuge Boundaries ................................................................................... 253.1.1 Support and Key Equipment Required ...................................................................... 263.1.2 Employing Survey Quality Collection Techniques ..................................................... 263.1.3 Mobile Mapping and GIS .......................................................................................... 28
3.2 Designing Nature Refuge Plans in GIS ................................................................................ 293.2.1 The Map Template .................................................................................................... 303.2.2 Symbology ................................................................................................................ 323.2.3 Map Quality Standards ............................................................................................. 333.2.4 File Naming and Folder Structure ............................................................................. 35
3.3 Creation Of Nature Refuge Spatial Datasets ......................................................................... 353.3.1 The Diversity of Zones within a Nature Refuge ......................................................... 393.3.2 Building the Nature Refuge Spatial Dataset............................................................... 41
4 CHAPTER 4: DATA INTEGRITY AND ANALYSIS ............................................................. 50
4.1 Building The Geodatabase ................................................................................................... 504.1.1 The Geodatabase Structure ........................................................................................ 54
4.2 Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing ..................................................................................... 584.2.1 Testing the Research Design ..................................................................................... 58
6 CHAPTER 6: BENEFITS AND DISCUSSION ....................................................................... 82
6.1 Internal DERM Work Groups .............................................................................................. 85
6.2 Other Benefits ..................................................................................................................... 866.2.1 Federal Government.................................................................................................. 866.2.2 State Government ..................................................................................................... 866.2.3 Local Government .................................................................................................... 876.2.4 AgForce .................................................................................................................... 876.2.5 Private Sector ............................................................................................................ 87
Figure 4-2 The Nature Refuge Geodatabase .................................................................................... 53
Figure 4-3 Topology Rule - Must Not Overlap ................................................................................ 56
Figure 4-4 Set Rules for the Parcels Topology................................................................................. 57
Figure 4-5 Query 1 Process ............................................................................................................. 59
Figure 4-6 Query 2 Process ............................................................................................................. 60
Figure 4-7 Query 3 Process ............................................................................................................. 61
Figure 4-8 The Synoptic View of the Mining Query Process Model ................................................ 64
Figure 5-1 The New Protected Area Plan (Author 2009) ................................................................. 68
Figure 5-2 Visual evidence on the extent and location of Gazetted Nature Refuge properties inQueensland. ........................................................................................................................... 70
Figure 5-3 Distribution of Proposed Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in the pre-gazettalstage. ..................................................................................................................................... 71
Figure 5-4 Distribution of Potential Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in the preliminarystages of negotiations towards a gazettal. ............................................................................... 72
Figure 5-5 Distribution of the Gazetted, Proposed and Potential Nature Refuge properties inQueensland. ........................................................................................................................... 73
Figure 5-8 Query 1 - Tabular View of Results relating to a simple query used to provide the currentnumber of Gazetted Nature Refuge properties in Queensland. ................................................ 76
Figure 5-9 Query 2 Results highlight the Nature Refuge boundaries that overlap with the ProtectedAreas Estate boundaries. ........................................................................................................ 77
Figure 5-10 Shows the tabular view of results answering the question presented in Query 3 Howmany Nature Refuge’s occupy the whole of lot, are greater than 100 hectares and are within theWet Tropics Bioregion? ......................................................................................................... 77
viii
Figure 5-11 Illustrates the Query 4 results in tabular view. The results show the number and impactpercentage of Nature Refuge’s in Queensland threatened by the mineral and coal industries. . 78
Figure 5-12 Visual evidence on the location of Queensland’s Gazetted Nature Refuge’s affected bymining activities. The impacted area ranging from 0 – 100% ................................................. 79
Figure 5-13 Mining Activities in South East Queensland ................................................................ 80
Figure 6-1The Nature Refuge Gazettal History ............................................................................... 83
3.3.1 The Diversity of Zones within a Nature Refuge
A Nature Refuge Agreement outlines activities that can occur on the Nature Refuge
property these are referred to as Zones. The agreement incorporates activities ranging
from grazing to recreation the activities are managed in a sustainable manner and are
appropriate for the level of protection required. Currently there is no national data
management system to capture covenanting information enabling policy makers and
interested agencies to know where land is covenanted and what biodiversity values
are being protected or managed.
The different zone types within a Nature Refuge boundary were not considered when
exporting boundary information from CAD. They are referred to in the Conservation
Agreement and exist visually on hardcopy maps but are not in digital form. On the
maps, zones have no standard classifications; for example an internal zone boundary
within one Nature Refuge dedicated to grazing purposes would be labelled Zone 1.
Then on another Nature Refuge, the Zone 1 label would be used for a boundary
dedicated to domestic purposes. The ability to have these boundaries in a GIS
environment is invaluable for consistency. Analysis and monitoring can be performed
to ensure restrictions agreed to in the Conservation Agreement regarding land uses
and land management activities are adhered to by the landowners. The following
outlines the different types of Nature Refuge Zones and the land management
activities occurring within them.
Domestic Zone – Land uses and land management activities conducted in the
Domestic Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not adversely impact on
natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Constructing and maintaining a single dwelling including access track and
ancillary infrastructure.
Constructing renewable energy infrastructure on the land for domestic power
supply only.
Restricting the introduction of native plant species that are not locally endemic
to non-invasive species.
Restricting the introduction of non-native plant species in the domestic zone to
lawn, fruit trees and vegetable plants.
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 40
Relocatable Domestic Zone - Land uses and land management activities conducted
in the Relocatable Domestic Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not
adversely impact on natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Restricting the introduction of native plant species that are not locally endemic
to non-invasive species.
Restricting the introduction of non-native plant species in the domestic zone to
lawn, fruit trees and vegetable plants.
Infrastructure Zone - Land uses and land management activities conducted in the
Infrastructure Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not adversely impact
on natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Ensuring the Infrastructure Zone does not exceed maximum of 10 hectares
Restricting visitor infrastructure (cabins and communal areas)
Constructing renewable energy infrastructure on the land.
Installing water supply infrastructure, including pumping equipment and a
supply line, on the land for domestic water supply only.
Relocatable Infrastructure Zone - Land uses and land management activities
conducted in the Infrastructure Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not
adversely impact on natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Ensuring the Relocatable Infrastructure Zone does not exceed maximum of
1hectares
Restoration Zone - Land uses and land management activities conducted in the
Infrastructure Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not adversely impact
on natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Restrictions are imposed and agreed on case by case basis.
Agricultural Zone - Land uses and land management activities conducted in the
Infrastructure Zone, as described in the Protected Area Plan, will not adversely impact
on natural and cultural resources on the land by:
Restrictions are imposed and agreed on a case by case basis (DERM 2008).
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 41
Diverse styles depicting different internal boundaries have been created in style
manager for each of the zones. Zone classifications were developed as part of this
research to avoid issues relating to the conflicting identification of internal boundaries.
Table 3.1 Internal Zones Attribute Categorization
There is an assorted quantity of restrictions tied to each zone. The proposal by this
study is to capture and store internal zone information as per the methods used for the
presentation of Nature Refuge external boundaries. This means GPS collected internal
boundaries. At the initial stage of preparing a Protected Area plan each zone is to be
captured, classified as per Table 3.1 and stored as an individual shapefile within the
Nature Refuge folder. Appendix 4 contains the zone file naming conventions. Finally
all zones in every Nature Refuge to be presented as one feature class in preparation
for analysis. The ability to have this information in a GIS is imperative as it will enable
biodiversity to be considered at the start of the planning process.
3.3.2 Building the Nature Refuge Spatial Dataset
To facilitate the design of a comprehensive, accurate and current spatial layer the
boundaries of all Queensland’s Gazetted Nature Refuges needed to be incorporated
into the GIS. The boundary data required dated back to 1994 and Berlin Scrub the
first Nature Refuge gazetted.
There were three categories of information available:
Category 1 - Hard copy maps
Tenure and Zoning Classification
Domestic Zone A
Relocatable Domestic Zone AR
Infrastructure Zone B
Relocatable Infrastructure Zone BR
Restoration Zone C
Agricultural Zone D
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 42
Category 2 – CAD files (one dxf file for each individual boundary)
Category 3 - The first batch of gazettal produced in GIS by the author June 2005
Initially scanning, geo-referencing and on-screen digitising was used to bring the
information into GIS but eventually a more efficient way to streamline this integration
was required. ArcScan was then investigated and exploited for the conversion of non-
spatial data to GIS. ArcScan is an ESRI extension used primarily for organisations
that need to convert raster images into vector feature layers. The various tools within
ArcScan have been tested and an accurate boundary representation was derived using
either the centreline and/or outline the two types of vectorization methods available in
this extension.
3.3.3 Standardizing the Gazetted Nature Refuge GIS Dataset
Key issues for spatial data users is finding and evaluating spatial data. How this data is
organised labelled and described is fundamental to its successful evaluation and
utilization.
In order to integrate the Nature Refuge boundaries and prepare them for publishing internallyand externally the layers tabular information was richly and consistently attributed. This
enables the attributes to be used for analysis purposes, and feature selections to be done basedon the attributes (e.g. select all nature refuges gazetted in 2002). Attribute fields were
populated with information relating to the Nature Refuge’s such as gazetted date, gazettedarea, lot/plan information, tenure, IUCN number and so on. A fundamental attribute value
was also incorporated into the layer; the System Integration Code (SYSINTCODE).
Figure 3-8 shows the National Parks also contain a SYSTINCODE this is the unique
identifier linking DERM’s core business datasets.
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 43
Figure 3-8 The System Integration Code (DERM 2005)
In cases where data was available in digital format the process was automated using
several ArcGIS functions. Spatial join was one used to retrieve attributes from the
DCDB, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Regional Boundaries (QPW), Local
Government Boundaries (LGA). The decimal degrees x, y coordinates, depicting the
Nature Refuge centroid were automatically generated using the X-Tools Pro
extension software.
Once the Gazetted Nature Refuge Dataset was finalised within the GIS environment a
quality assurance process was carried out by cross- referencing the attribute data to
different sources. In this case prior knowledge on the data sources with a higher level
of reliability was required. Sources used for the comparison were Estate Register,
Government Gazette, Conservation Agreement and the official PA plan hardcopy.
This process highlighted inconsistencies such as area miscalculations, incorrect
naming of the Nature Refuges and other anomalies in both the Estate Register and
Government Gazette. These irregularities were then addressed through the Minister’s
Executive Council Briefing Note and amended by the Nature Conservation (Protected
Areas) Amendment Regulation.
CurrentDistrict
Zone
System IntegrationCode
Gazet
Gazetted reserve (protected area,SF, TR, FR, Reserve under LandAct) other lands (freehold, USL),non tenured areas, andAggregations for which QPWS is
Z FW 55 0021 CRL 001 202/NPW175, 398/NPW346CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKZ FW 55 0021 BAR 001 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKZ FW 55 0021 EAC 001 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARK
FW 55 0021 EAC 002 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 003 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 005 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 006 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 007 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 BAR 004 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 004 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKFW 55 0021 EAC 010 CRATER LAKES NPCRATER LAKES NATIONAL PARKSB 56 0023 BAU 001 119/NPW579MOUNT BAUPLE NPSMOUNT BAUPLE NATIONAL PARK SCIENTIFIC
Z CM 55 0024 EUN 001 31/NPW652EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKZ CM 55 0024 MTB 001 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK
CM 55 0024 EUN 002 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 003 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 004 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 H0024 MTB 004 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 005 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 006 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 007 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 008 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARKCM 55 0024 EUN 009 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK
CM 55 0024 MGW 400 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK
CM 55 0024 MGW 400 EUNGELLA NPEUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK
X FH 55 0025 FAM 001 422/NPW615FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 CMB 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 HUD 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 KUM 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 MUG 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 PUB 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 WHE 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 BOW 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 SMI 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ FH 55 0025 DUN 001 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
FH 55 0025 CMB 004 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKFH 55 0025 WHE 004 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKFH 55 0025 BOW 004 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKFH 55 0025 DUN 004 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKFH 55 0025 DUN 005 FAMILY ISLANDS NPFAMILY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Z CW 55 0028 ALL 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 ANC 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 ANV 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 BKC 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 BKS 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 BLW 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 GLS 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 HAM 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 ING 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 LIN 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 LOC 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARKZ CW 55 0028 PNC 001 SMITH ISLANDS NPSMITH ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 44
The Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) provides both
spatial and text information about government, Indigenous and privately owned
protected areas for Australia. In order to facilitate effective data interchange between
the States/ Territories and the Commonwealth. The Gazetted Nature Refuge spatial
dataset was designed to include CAPAD’s technical specifications as show in Table
3.2
Chapter 3: Spatial C
horeography
Page 45
Table 3.2 CA
PAD
Standards (CA
PAD
2007)
Item Namt DtfmitiOll Fitld Type
NAME Offici~l lg~zetted) n~me of ~ PA or IUloffici~ln~me -G~zetted PAs with no nmlle ~re flagged ~ s "Unn~med" . Alph~nllmeric (m~ximllm 60 ch~r~cters) (Upper - Lower case)
TYPE Official gazetted designation of the PA Alph3JlIuneric (lIIaXillllUn 60 characters) (Upper-Lower Case)
TYPE ABBR Abbrevi~tion of TYPE up to fOIU' upper-case clwracters (eg. 'NR' = 'NMIU'e Refhge') Alphmllunetic (AAA.'\) (upPER CASE)
GAZj \REA Am ofPA described in the nomination doclUnent (eg. p~rlimnentalY gazett~I), to the nearest hectare hiteger (r~nge 0 - 999,999,999)
GIS_AREA Where PA's are nmde up of nlllltiple polygons (P31ts) the cis area is the slUn of all the polygons Floating point to 2 decimal places (range 0.00 - 999,999,999.00)
mCN IUCN protected ~re3 categOIY ~ s outlined in the publication: CNPP AJ\VOIC "Gltideliues for Protected ;\rea nwn~geJnent categories" AlphnllluneJlc (AAAA) (upPER CASE)
NRS_PA Abbreviation of whether the protected are~ meets the reqllireJlleJlts ~greed by the Nahu'e ReseJve SysteJll n sk GrollP AlphmllulleJlc (AA) (upPER CASE)
STATE CODE for the SMe or TeJlitOiY in winch the Protected Am is located AlphallluneJic (AAA) (upPER CASE)
AUTHORITY CODE for the authOiity winch 3chllitnsteJ's the Protected Area AlphamuneJic (maxinllun15 characters) (upPERCASE)
RES_NmffiER TIle reSeJve llIunl,leJ' (if declared) as nsed by the controlling 3ntholity and pre-:fi."ed te:-.1 deJlOtin,2; StMe I TeJlitolY (eg. QLD0850) Cha!'oe'o' (AAAAAAAA), (upPER CASE)
GAZ_DATE Oticinal gazettall proclamation date Date fonnat (YYl,\'1ThIDD)
LATEST_GAZ D~te of most receJlt gazetted mneJlchlleJlt or veJification Date fOllnat (Yl,\,\'1ThIDD)
ENVIRON PA g3zetted as teJresoinllllaY have a lllmine com )OneJlt and vice veJ'sa CharacteJ' fonnat (A), (UPPER CASE)
GOVERNANCE CODE for the type of gOVem3nce winch has manageJneJlt and decisionmakillg responsibility Character fonnat (A) , (upPERCASE)
MGT]LAN CODE for the stMus of the lllanageJnent )Ian for the protected area as of 30 June 2008 Character fOI1llat (A), (upPER CASE)
X_COORD Loncitude coorclitwtes of polygon ceJlo'oid itl decitnnl degrees Floating J)Oitlt (-99.99999) to five decitnall)lnces
Y_COORD Latihlde coof(litlMe of poiY2;on cenh'oid itl decitual de,grees Floatin~ POitlt (-99.99999) to five decitnal places
Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography
Page 46
3.3.4 Metadata
Described as ‘data about data’ or data that makes data useful. Metadata provides
records that can support search, directions needed to open and use datasets, and
information essential to assess the data set’s appropriateness for a specific application
(Goodchild 2002).
It documents a dataset’s key statistics and how it can be accessed and exchanged.
Spatial data without metadata can be worthless and carries a risk of data misuse. This
can lead to errors in data analysis. Metadata equips data custodians with better
knowledge of their data allowing them to more effectively manage data production,
storage, maintenance, update, and reuse. A good GIS system should support three
forms of metadata the implementation form (within a database or software system),
the export or encoding format and the presentation or viewing form (Hunter and
Masters 2003; Miller ,Karimi and Feuchtwanger 1989).
The Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Standards assist the development,
sharing, and use of geospatial data. The FGDC develops geospatial data standards
for implementing the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) in consultation and
cooperation with State, local, and tribal governments, the private sector and academic
community. A metadata record is a file of information, which captures the basic
characteristics of a data or information. A geospatial metadata record includes a title,
Subtypes are used as a method to categorize spatial data. They are a subset of
features in a feature class, or objects in a table, that share the same attributes (ESRI
2006). Subtypes organise the data in a way that maintains the integrity and efficiency
of features during editing and are essential to good design as they reduce the number
of feature classes (Arctur and Zeiler 2004). Table 4.1 illustrates the subtypes created
for the NAME attribute field of the Gazetted Nature Refuge feature class. The coded
values in the NAME field differentiate Nature Refuges that cover the whole of lot on
plan, or part of the lot on plan, Nature Refuges not funded by Nature Assist and
properties that have received the Nature Assistance funds.
Table 4.1 Feature Class Subtypes
FIELDSUBTYPE CODED
VALUE SUBTYPE DESCRIPTION
NAME
1 Whole lot/plan
2 Part of lot/plan
3 Nature Refuge Property
4 Nature Assist Funded Property
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 56
Topology:
Topology in maps describes spatial relationships such as adjacency, coincidence,
connectivity and containment of the mapped features. Topology offers special
functions for spatial analysis and is one of the most useful data structure concepts in
GIS. Geodatabase topology accurately models geometric relationships between the
features it knows where it is, what is around it, recognizes the surrounds and finally
knows how to get around (ESRI 2004b).
The topology within the Nature Refuge Geodatabase will manage coincident
geometry it will constrain how the Nature Refuge boundaries share geometry with the
DCDB and Estate boundaries it will define and enforce data integrity rules.
Figure 4-3 shows one of the behaviors that will be enforced to ensure no polygon
overlaps another polygon in the same feature class.
Figure 4-3 Topology Rule - Must Not Overlap
Topology supports powerful editing tools that implement the topological constraints
of the data model. An example of this would be the Nature Refuge boundary shares a
common edge with the DCDB and the Estate boundaries so when a Nature Refuge
boundary is updated all the features that share that common edge will automatically
be updated. In a geodatabase topology, one of the integrity rules that can be set is a
coordinate rank. This determines which feature classes have the highest level of
accuracy. Ranks control how vertices move during validation. Lower ranked features
(50) will be adjusted to the higher ranked features (1) (Arctur and Zeiler 2004).
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 57
The Parcels_topology stored in the Nature Refuge Geodatabase defines and enforces
data integrity rules for the features. Groups of properties stored include cluster
tolerance, ranks and rules. For example, there should be no gaps between the
polygons is one rule that is used to define spatial relationships between the features.
Topology supports topological relationship queries and navigation, such as feature
adjacency, connectivity and coincidence (ESRI 2008). The geodatabase topology was
used to group the DCDB and Nature Refuge feature classes together. Figure 4-4
depicts the set of rules used to define the features behaviour. Topology ranks were
also set as they enable a finer control over which features will be moved in the process
of snapping vertices so each feature was assigned a rank. The Nature Refuge
boundaries are based on the lot on plan of the DCDB parcels therefore the DCDB
parcels were given the highest ranking of 1 so that during the validation process the
Nature Refuge boundaries move to the DCDB vertices.
Figure 4-4 Set Rules for the Parcels Topology
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 58
Relationship Classes:
A relationship class is another geodatabase element used in the structure of the Nature
Refuge Geodatabase. Relationship classes provide a mechanism for referential
integrity. A persistent feature class to feature class link was created between the
records in the origin (Nature Refuge Gazetted) table to the destination (Nature
Refuges Internal Zones) table.
4.2 SPATIAL ANALYSIS AND GEOPROCESSING
Analysis is a process for highlighting patterns and relationships in geographic data.
Even though GIS technology has been around since the 1960’s many people still use
it solely for mapmaking purposes (ESRI 2004b). The spatial analysis function consists
of three basic types of operations: attribute queries, spatial queries and generation of
new datasets based on data attributes or spatial relationships. Operations range from
simple to complex queries. A single attribute or spatial query falls into the simple
category. A complex analysis requires a series of operations that include multiple
attribute and spatial queries adjustments of original data and generating new datasets
based on attribute information or spatial relationships and sometimes both (ESRI
2005). The first four phases of the GIS gazettal framework have addressed issues
such as quality data collection techniques, constructing Nature Refuge boundary
information, generating new spatial datasets and ensuring the integrity of these. The
final phase of the research design will demonstrate the advanced capabilities of GIS
available to the Nature Refuge Branch.
4.2.1 Testing the Research Design
Geographic information querying involves both the spatial and attributes aspect. The
next part of the chapter will examine spatial queries starting with some basic examples
and ending with a complex query that requires spatial analysis before the question can
be answered. Naturally these examples do not reveal the full range of GIS operations
that are available. However within the confines of this chapter and following the five
steps of the analytical process discussed in (Chapter 2, Fig. 2-1)
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 59
The subsequent four simple and complex queries are selected to demonstrate the
accessible analysis opportunities.
Query 1 Relates to an enquiry about the current statistics of Gazetted Nature
Refuges in Queensland the query was required for reporting purposes.
Question: How many Gazetted Nature Refuges in Queensland?
Data: Dataset required for analysis is the Gazetted Nature Refuge dataset
Method: Attribute Query is selected to answer this question as the attributes
required are available on an independent table. Therefore no relationship class
or data join is required.
Process: Figure 4-5 illustrates the process of creating a new selection to
answer this query. Records are selected from the Nature_Refuges_Gazetted
layer, based on the NAME_COUNT field where the unique value is 1.
Figure 4-5 Query 1 Process
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 60
Query 2 - Identifying spatial inconsistencies between the Protected Area Estate
dataset and the Nature Refuge dataset.
Question: How many Nature Refuge boundaries overlap the Estate boundaries?
Data: Datasets required for analysis is the Gazetted Nature Refuge dataset and the
Protected Area Estate layer
Method: The question relates to spatial relationships among the features of interest
Spatial Query is selected to provide the answer.
Process: Figure 4-6 shows the select by location query selected to answer the
question. Only features from the Nature_Refuge_Gazetted layer that are crossed by
the outline of the Protected Areas of Queensland layer will be selected.
Figure 4-6 Query 2 Process
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 61
Query 3 Relates to regular enquiries received from Ministers and the
Commonwealth about Nature Refuges that are within a particular Bioregion.
Question: Provide the number of Nature Refuges in the Wet Tropics Bioregion that
are greater than 100ha and occupy the whole of lot.
Data: Datasets required for analysis are the Gazetted Nature Refuge and the
Bioregional dataset
Method: Conditional Query is selected to provide the answer as the condition is
attribute based.
Process: Figure 4-7 illustrates a simple process model that was created to streamline
the process required to answer the question. The following three criterions must be
fulfilled: Nature Refuges have to be located in a specific Bioregion, they must be
larger than 100 hectares and they have to occupy the whole Lot/Plan. For that
purpose one of the three basic operators in Boolean logic AND was used as it acts
like a filter and will not give the combination of the three criterions but only the
records that fulfil all three conditions.
Figure 4-7 Query 3 Process
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 62
Query 4
In Australia, mining rights over-rule most other interests, including agreements that
aim to protect important areas in perpetuity. There are numerous Nature Refuges and
conservation areas in Queensland that are threatened by the mineral and coal
industries. Query 4 is related to the Ministers request for a Government decision to be
made regarding the potential for certain exemptions on Nature Refuges from mining
interests.
Question: How many hectares of Nature Refuges are currently affected by mining
interests in Queensland, what percentage of each Nature Refuge is affected and the
types of mining activities undertaken?
Data: Datasets required for analysis are the Gazetted Nature Refuges, Mining claims,
Mining Leases, Exploration Permits, Petroleum Leases, Mineral Development leases
and the UTM Zones layer.
Method: Prior to the analysis process and in order to achieve the required results
some pre-processing of the data was necessary. The following combination of Data
Management and Analysis tools were used:
1. Merge and dissolve to combine Mining feature classes into a single polygon.
2. The UTM zone feature class was dissolved based on the zone field (e.g. zone
56, 55 or 54)
3. Split tool was used to separate the Nature Refuge feature classes and Mining
class (both in GDA94) to individual MGA Zones.
4. Reproject was used to project the output feature class from the above step to
the associated projection (e.g. MGA94 Zone 56, or MGA94 Zone 55, etc.)
5. Clip tool was used to work out the overlapping area of Nature Refuge and
Mining Areas.
6. The total area and the total impacted area of each Nature Refuge were
calculated by summarizing the table by field NAME. Summary statistics to be
included in the output table were chosen from the total GIS_AREAHA and
overlapping area SHAPE_AREA.
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 63
7. The summary tables were merged to one table, and summarized on NAME
again. The percentage (%) of impacted area was calculated using the
following field calculation: 100 * [SUM_Shape_area] /
([SUM_GIS_AREAHA]*10000)
The tools used to answer Query 4 were chained together in one operation. Figure 4-8
illustrates the repetitive task model created in Model Builder for this query. The
model will be used to automate the workflow and to provide the answer to one of the
most frequently asked questions relating to mining activities currently undertaken in
Queensland. The model will enable the Nature Refuge Branch to provide a timely
response to these enquiries.
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 64
Figure 4-8 The Synoptic View of the Mining Query Process Model
Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis
Page 65
4.3 CHAPTER SUMMARY
The functionality GIS offers is based on the demand for analysis and a spectrum of
capabilities ranging from simple to complex. Many organisations still utilise the middle
of this spectrum. This chapter presented the complex end where new GIS
development makes the most societal impact. At the end of the spectrum is a
simulation-based research and development model that gives the necessary power to
challenge and minimise impact on conservation (Tomlinson 2000).
Chapter 5: Results
Page 66
5Chapter 5: Results
“Results from statistical analyses may be graphed and spatial models
may be mapped, and these items may be scrutinized in relation to any developing
hypotheses” (MacEachren 1994b)
This chapter presents the results of this research. The advanced functionalities of GIS
used in this study have addressed the map clarity issues and provided a new and
improved Nature Refuge Protected Area Plan. The Nature Refuge spatial datasets
have been designed to aid effective spatial data interchange “Congratulations have
been received from the Commonwealth’s National Reserve System team on the
standard of the spatial layer in meeting their requirements for smooth system
integration” ( DERM, 2009 Appendix 5).
The Nature Refuge Geodatabase created is a knowledge base that facilitates analysis,
and provides vital information on Nature Refuge assets. The GIS gazettal framework
has been tested using multiple simple and complex spatial queries. The Nature Refuge
Branch has now the capability to perform various system inventory searches, basic
database work such as deriving the exact number of Nature Refuge properties that are
located within a specific Bioregion. The power of this study is embedded in Phases 4
and 5 of the GIS gazettal framework and the ability to provide answers to questions
challenging negative impact on conservation. From the following results, it can be
seen that the GIS gazettal framework has increased the time efficiency and operational
performance within DERM. Consequently, the hypothesis has been proven. Extracts
from Appendix 6 provide evaluation and evidence of the success of this research.
The following study objectives were accomplished in this research endeavour:
Investigate and utilise GIS and its advanced functionalities to enhance the
mapping component of the Nature Refuge Program.
Chapter 5: Results
Page 67
Develop a digital database that places Queensland’s Nature Refuge boundaries
in a spatial environment that facilitates analysis and effective spatial data
interchange between the States/Territories and the Commonwealth
Evaluate the framework through meaningful analysis
5.1 THE NATURE REFUGE PROTECTED AREA PLAN
Protected Area Plans (PA’s) representing the boundaries of a Nature Refuge,
including any zoning or exclusion areas associated with the protected area are now
produced in GIS. The templates created provide the effectiveness and timeliness
required to produce these plans. They conform to the technical standards proposed by
the author. Figure 5-1 illustrates the Queensland’s Nature Refuge Protected Area
Plan.
“Data integrity improved with the collection of GPS point data and the seamlessintegration into the office environment”.
“Protected Area (PA) plan templates developed in conjunction with Guidelines andProcedure Manual have streamlined processes and improved delivery timelines andcosting projections”.
“Outsourcing of PA plan production to Councils to meet tight timeframes andfacilitate standardized delivery of the Koala Program is now feasible”(DERM, 2010 Appendix 6).
Chapter 5: Results
Page 68
Figure 5-1 The New Protected Area Plan (Author 2009)
, --, -' , _. '" -
" •••
" -.
, -
" ,,"~,
" --
" ..
-
MT BEAU BRU_U NATURE RHIKlE
'." tIl'" ro",,-
" - " "'''~, ._" ,-
, ' ~.~,.,
,
-" --" --
; , -I
Chapter 5: Results
Page 69
5.2 THE NATURE REFUGE SPATIAL DATASETS
Visual representations (in the form of diagrams, graphs, and maps) have long been
assumed to facilitate thinking and problem solving, and research has focused on how
visual representation interacts with human cognition to do so (Larkin and Simon,
1987).
The following figures illustrate the presentation maps that will be provided to the
landholders, program managers and policy makers to aid the decision making process.
Figure 5-2 illustrates the Gazetted Nature Refuge spatial layer created in Phase 3 of
the research design these are protected areas of land with high environmental value.
The gazetted spatial layer is available publicly and is free of charge. Figure 5-3 shows
Proposed Nature Refuge properties these properties are awaiting a finalisation of a
conservation agreement and gazettal. This layer is available internally within the public
sector. Figure 5-4 represents properties that are being identified as potential protected
areas and are in the first stage of tendering. The potential spatial layer is only available
within the Nature Refuge Branch of DERM. By graphically presenting the results of
analysis spatial dimensions and relations are revealed. This is not usually evident when
presenting spatial data in tabular form (MacEachren 1994a).
“Applicants for Nature Assist rounds 2 and 3 (which provide incentive funding toprivate landowners entering into a nature refuge) were able to be transparentlyassessed and accurately compared by providing GIS data in vector and raster formatsto be applied to a CSIRO metric”.
“Reliable data is now readily available for data modelling with complex programs suchas numbers, types and extent of Mining on Nature Refuges, Koala habitat underprotection in Queensland, Native Title claims, Easements, Leases and sub-leases”.
“Gazetted, Proposed and Potential spatial layers were developed as tools for scopingand evaluating future planning and development”.
“GIS analysis mapping is now an integral part of all reports emanating from the NatureRefuge Branch and has been adopted by higher levels of management and publicly as avisual form of presentation to best represent the continued development and impact ofthe program”.
“GIS based mapping has assisted in funding applications to support the growth andimpact of the program’s acceptance by the community” (DERM, 2010 Appendix 6).
Chapter 5: Results
Page 70
Figure 5-2 Visual evidence on the extent and location of Gazetted Nature Refuge
properties in Queensland.
+ '. ,. x -~
.~-
I~"':::-':'-- I __ T __ .7>O,"",":
~."" . .. }J
Chapter 5: Results
Page 71
Figure 5-3 Distribution of Proposed Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in the pre-gazettal stage.
+ • •• ~
• ~ --... '!1 .
'. -.......... 0-......_
Chapter 5: Results
Page 72
Figure 5-4 Distribution of Potential Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in thepreliminary stages of negotiations towards a gazettal.
· ," ,. .~ .'.; ... ,
.~-
!
Chapter 5: Results
Page 73
Figure 5-5 Distribution of the Gazetted, Proposed and Potential Nature Refugeproperties in Queensland.
,..-:- ........ .. .. ........
Chapter 5: Results
Page 74
Figure 5-5 illustrates a thematic overlay of the three different Nature Refuge datasets
exposing patterns for the Nature Refuge Program to focus on. Figure 5-6 shows how
the overlay facilitates the construction of graphs describing spatial relations which can
now be produced effortlessly as a standard report. The graph illustrates that in 2009
there were 366 Gazetted, 116 Proposed and 174 Potential Nature Refuges. The ability
to perform this type of analysis has in turn equipped Nature Refuge Branch with the
ability to project future growth and acquire funding for the ongoing management of
Nature Refuges.
Figure 5-6 Nature Refuge Statistics (2009)
366116
174
Chapter 5: Results
Page 75
5.3 THE NATURE REFUGE GEODATABASE
Spatial alignment inaccuracies were highlighted when the Gazetted Nature Refuge
spatial layer was overlayed and then cross- checked to the Protected Areas of
Queensland Estate boundary layer and DCDB. Figure 5-7 illustrates the Gazetted
Nature Refuge feature class overlayed with the DCDB and Protected Areas Estate.
The Nature Refuge Geodatabase has enabled a seamless boundary alignment between
the three layers to be achieved by enforcing topology behaviour.
“The GIS digital database now maintains accurate spatial data for storage,
retrieval, research and analysis” (DERM, 2010 Appendix 6).
Figure 5-7 Topology Rules Results
Chapter 5: Results
Page 76
5.4 ATTRIBUTE AND SPATIAL QUERY RESULTS
Figure 5-8 shows the simple select by attributes query used to answer question 1
(refer to section 4.2.1 Testing the Research Design). The returned records showed
there are currently 309 gazetted Nature Refuges in Queensland. The statistics show
the exact sum of land in hectares to be 765,000ha this is amount of land currently
protected in Queensland under the Nature Refuge Program.
Figure 5-8 Query 1 - Tabular View of Results relating to a simple query used to provide thecurrent number of Gazetted Nature Refuge properties in Queensland.
Figure 5-9 shows the results for Query 2 ( refer to section 4.2.1 Testing the Research
Design) this spatial query was executed by selecting features in one layer based on the
locations of features in another layer (ESRI 2005). For the purpose of achieving
spatial data integrity attention was drawn to features from the Gazetted Nature
Chapter 5: Results
Page 77
Refuge dataset that crossed the outline of the Protected Area Estate dataset. The
process returned sixty-two records highlighting inaccuracies between the two layers.
Figure 5-9 Query 2 Results highlight the Nature Refuge boundaries that overlap with theProtected Areas Estate boundaries.
Figure 5-10 shows the results of the conditional query selected to answer question 3
(refer to section 4.2.1 Testing the Research Design). Four Nature Refuges occupying
the whole lot on plan are larger than 100 hectares and are located in the Wet Tropics.
Figure 5-10 Shows the tabular view of results answering the question presented in Query 3How many Nature Refuge’s occupy the whole of lot, are greater than 100 hectares and are
within the Wet Tropics Bioregion?
The results of Query 4 (refer to section 4.2.1 Testing the Research Design) show 160
Nature Refuges in Queensland are currently affected by mining activities. Figure 5-11
Chapter 5: Results
Page 78
illustrates the output table where the field NAME depicts the Nature Refuge, the
FREQUENCY field represents the number of lots associated with this Nature Refuge,
the SUM_GIS_AREA is the total area in hectares and the SUM_Shape_area depicts
the total impacted area. To validate the model results an additional and commonly
applied validation approach was performed consisting of a visual comparison and
confronting model outputs with expert opinion.
Figure 5-11 Illustrates the Query 4 results in tabular view. The results show the number andimpact percentage of Nature Refuge’s in Queensland threatened by the mineral and coal
industries.
Figure 5-12 presents the geographic or visual communication of the results; the
colour of the symbols depicts the percentage of land impacted. For presentation
purposes the tabular information only shows a portion of Nature Refuges impacted by
Exploration Permits Coal (EPC).
Chapter 5: Results
Page 79
Figure 5-12 Visual evidence on the location of Queensland’s Gazetted Nature Refuge’saffected by mining activities. The impacted area ranging from 0 – 100%
I QUEENSLAND'S NATURE REFUGES IMPACTED BY MINING ACTIVITIES I
~ N
~ .s ";:
.! E Q) .r: 1:: o z
• •
•
South Australia
Legend
Impacted Nature Refuge's
0-20%
o 20-40%
• 40-70%
• 70-90%
• 90-100%
CJ LOC~O~~~:rr~e~ent
NAME Waluma Nature Refuge The Point Nature Refuge Banan~e Nature Refuge
Long Grass Nature Refuge South East Queensland Southeast Walker's Wlderness Nature Refuge South East Queensland Southeast Ber1in Scrub Nature Refuge South East Queensland Southeast
.. • •
IBIOREG
t!
0 • •
•
500
Kilometres
South Eastern Queensland South Eastern Queensland South Eastern Queensland South Eastern Queensland South Eastern Queensland South Eastern Queensland
This GIS model offers a variety of ways to visualise calculated results. In South East
Queensland as Figure 5-13 illustrates the majority of Nature Refuge are 70 – 100%
impacted by the mining industry.
Figure 5-13 Mining Activities in South East Queensland
NATURE REFUGES IMPACTED BY MINING ACTIVITIES IN SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND
Queensland
Legend Percentage of Impacted Nature Refuge Area
• 0% o 0-20%
• 20-30%
• 30-70%
• 70-100%
~ N
25 Kilometres
50
• • • o
• .. •
•
•
• ••
•
o
• New South Wales
Chapter 5: Results
Page 81
5.5 CHAPTER SUMMARY
Critics are concerned that GIS models contain substantial uncertainties. Uncertainties
are present in any type of model. One thing is for certain if we wait for uncertainties
of these models to be completely eliminated before policy is implemented to preserve
valuable ecosystems then we risk losing those ecosystems. Land disturbance is already
underway throughout Queensland mining activities are carried out on Nature Refuge
Land. Therefore new methods that both appreciate the models level of uncertainty but
also acknowledge the urgency of environmental challenges are needed (Paegelow and
Camacho Olmedo 2008).
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 82
6Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
This chapter presents and discusses the various benefits derived from this study from
within the diverse sections of the public and private sectors. Commencing with the
data custodians of the Nature Refuge spatial dataset and concluding with the
customers that use it. It is appropriate to disclose that the GIS gazettal framework
proposed by this study has been adopted, successfully implemented and is functioning
within DERM.
“The system is now a central element of the Nature Refuges Program. As you areaware, the Program has grown at a much faster rate than anticipated from a littleunder 100,000 hectares with Nature refuges in 1994 to nearly 2,100,000 hectareswith the next gazettal in July, now comprising a little over 1% of Queensland’s landarea and the second largest extent of protected area (after National Parks) in theState. The GIS system has been a major factor in our maintaining an effectiveadministration throughout this growth, and has developed a series of potentials withanalysis and reporting that are essential as the program has grown from minor tomajor status as a conservation mechanism” (DERM, 2010 Appendix 6).
Figure 6-1 depicts the Nature Refuge gazettal history and the remarkable increase of
these protected areas from 1994. In 2005 the author introduces GIS cartography to
the Nature Refuge Program. The first protected area plans produced in GIS were
gazetted in June 2005. It can be argued that by introducing GIS a significant
contribution was made towards the increase in numbers.
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 83
Figure 6-1The Nature Refuge Gazettal History
Every Nature Refuge required a protected area plan. The map template, map
symbology and map quality standards developed by this research notably reduced the
amount of time required to produce a plan. The final plan is subject to ongoing
negotiations between the landholder and the Nature Refuge Regional Officers
therefore many draft plans are required before a protected area is gazetted. GIS dealt
with reported changes instantaneously and thus time and cost effectively. The GIS
gazettal framework has given the Nature Refuge Branch an integrated systems
approach to collect, present store and analyse knowledge on their resources. The
study has demonstrated GIS can be used as a methodological tool for:
Decision Support - The Nature Refuge Branch can present the Nature Refuge
Protected Area Plans with confidence in their correct, technical, and legal aspects.
The clarity of the plans and timely manner in which they are produced, means the
Nature Refuge Officers can communicate with landowners during the negotiations
process with minimum difficulty. The spatial datasets developed by this research can
be spatially integrated and analysed offering the ability to project future growth and
determine priority areas for the program to target. The Nature Refuge Geodatabase is
a GIS rich information and knowledge resource for the public sector. It not only
provides references but also becomes a consulting tool for problem solving and
decision making (Chen 2008). The model developed by this study offer fasts analysis
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 84
and provides supporting evidence on mining activities affecting the Nature Refuges.
Modelling environmental dynamics aids in the understanding and anticipation of future
evolutions. Their simulation supports decision-making for environmental management
(Paegelow and Camacho Olmedo 2008).
Reporting - Creation of graphs and maps describing spatial relationships can now be
produced easily as a standard report. Enabling the Nature Refuge Branch to project
future growth and acquire funding for the ongoing management of Nature Refuges.
The capacity to bring covenanting information (Internal Zones) into GIS is essential
for the Nature Refuge Program as it can then easily be analysed for reporting on the
effectiveness of covenants in achieving biodiversity conservation on private land.
Tracking Performance – Analysis in a spatial context provides the capability to
monitor the Nature Refuge properties. This in turn has alerted the Nature Refuge
Branch to problems associated with subdivisions occurring within a Nature Refuge
without their knowledge. Analysis on the spatial datasets revealed that a particular
property has undergone a sale of one lot and a re-survey which has a new lot/plan
reference in addition a part of the Nature Refuge has reverted to Unallocated State
Land (USL). This has highlighted the issue of a new owner wanting a separate
Conservation Agreement stating they are only responsible for their own property &
not tied to the original owners. Another Nature Refuge has had two boundary
realignments done without the Nature Refuge Branch’s knowledge.
Compliance The Commonwealth contract for a national database of Nature Refuges
was able to be fulfilled easily due to data compliance with their systems. The provision
of the Gazetted Nature Refuge spatial dataset to CAPAD in a format that complies
with their technical specifications supported this.
Conservation
The capacity to spatially network Nature Refuges, Regional Ecosystems, Biodiversity
Planning Assessments and Koala Habitat has resulted in a few Nature Refuges been
made exempt from mining activities. Currently research is being undertaken to see if
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 85
this can be extended to include other Nature Refuges. The purpose of the model
developed in Chapter 4 of this thesis is to assist this process. The model can be easily
adapted and used to inform where best to target conservation in Queensland.
6.1 INTERNAL DERM WORK GROUPS
The Nature Refuge Gazetted and Proposed spatial datasets are provided together with
metadata and a symbology layer to the Environmental Information Systems Unit
(EISU) for inclusion into the Enterprise GIS environment. Previously updates were
carried out several months after a gazettal due to labour-intensive manipulation of the
boundary data. Now they are integrated and available for viewing and downloading
within a few days after every gazettal. Figure 6-2 illustrates a session of ECOMAPS
(DERM’s internal mapping system) the Gazetted and Proposed Nature Refuge
boundaries overlayed with State Forests and Timber Reserves, National Parks, and
Conservation Parks.
Figure 6-2 ECOMAPS Session (DERM 2009)
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 86
The planning and development of future Nature Refuges relies heavily on the
provision of up to date spatial data to demonstrate the success of the program to
future applicants. The ability to present a visual display to regional staff and their
clients of reliable data provides security to clients not familiar with the program. The
timely and efficient distribution process enables the Proposed Nature Refuge Dataset
to operate as an alert mechanism for Governments personnel state wide. The results
presented in Figure 5-11 show there are currently one-hundred and sixty Nature
Refuges affected by mining activities. Seventy-five are properties proposed to be
protected.
6.2 OTHER BENEFITS
6.2.1 Federal Government
The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, (DEWHA) sources
data on protected areas, including Nature Refuge areas every two years through
CAPAD. CAPAD provides both spatial and tabular information about government
and privately funded protected areas both within Australia and overseas. Data is
contributed by State/Territory nature and conservation agencies. The Nature Refuge
Branch has the capability to provide NR boundaries in a format compatible to
CAPAD systems. This in turn has numerous benefits amongst others it promotes
national coordination and information sharing and facilitates visualisation of these
properties and where their conservation efforts are fitting in with those of other
agencies and organisations (DEWHA 2008).
6.2.2 State Government
Previously only hardcopy protected area plans were sent to the former Department of
Natural Resources and Water (DNRW) for the incorporation of these boundaries into
the DCDB. The plans were then scanned; geo-referenced and in some cases Nature
Refuge boundaries were traced using the onscreen digitising technique. This practice
has now been totally omitted since the Nature Refuge Branch has the capability to
provide these boundaries in a compatible digital format.
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 87
The Department of Mines and Energy automatically receives updates on Gazetted and
Proposed Nature Refuges this in turn enables improvements in their planning and
management strategies.
6.2.3 Local Government
The spatial datasets developed by this research are significant to utility and Local
Government information systems particularly as most of their business information
and transactions are related to the land parcel.
The majority of Councils run their own covenanting programs, and many, especially in
South East Queensland, are also delivering Land for Wildlife. The GIS enables
mapping and analysis of the various forms of voluntary conservation agreements, and
possibly more importantly, what they are protecting. If a common network of
voluntary conservation programs was to be formed, then subject to the wishes of
landholders, GIS could be used as a decision tool in defining the most appropriate
mechanism relative to given properties. Analysis could also then be applied across a
broad spectrum of conservation interests.
6.2.4 AgForce
Apart from the very significantly enhanced reporting capacity the GIS offers and the
ability to demonstrate overall growth, distribution and values, there is potential to
analyse the proportions of properties that are or are not subject to Nature Refuges,
and ultimately the zones within Nature Refuges and their implications relative to
production capability. Such analysis would be a major element in reviewing the
developing and potential balance between production and conservation of varying
intensities within properties, within a bioregion and ultimately relative to the state
overall.
6.2.5 Private Sector
Thematic mapping of key themes that are sensitive to any type of planned
infrastructure is undertaken prior to construction. This step requires the protected
areas to be overlayed with various other environmental and infrastructure datasets. A
desktop assessment of the study area is carried out to show that the respective
Chapter 6: Benefits and Discussion
Page 88
corridors or sites recommended are ones that both mitigate risk and best seek
ecological sustainability.
Selection studies are derived from the desktop analysis of data from a range of
sources, applied in a virtual context through the use of GIS. When analysing the
Nature Refuge spatial data the Project Manager’s can be confident that they are
working with the best data.
6.3 CHAPTER SUMMARY
Various benefits of the research design have been presented in this chapter. The
Nature Refuge Mapping Program has gained a powerful ally in GIS. A system that
supports the decision making process, provides visual evidence for reporting purposes
and offers a way to streamline the work procedures. When interrogated supplies
answers, offering decision makers the ability to challenge the negative impacts on our
environment. It is not the intention of this research to claim credit for the amazing
increase in Nature Refuge protected areas from when GIS was first introduced in
2005. Nevertheless if this research contributed only 10 percent to that boost then it
was a beneficial study.
Chapter 7: Conclusions
Page 89
7Chapter 7: Conclusions
“No GIS can be a success without the right people involved. A real-world
GIS is actually a complex system of interrelated parts and at the centre of this
system is a smart person who understands the whole” (Tomlinson, 2003 p. 1)
7.1 SUMMARY
The hypothesis that GIS can streamline the gazettal process and improve the spatial
integrity and quality of Nature Refuge boundaries has been proven in this research.
In doing so, this research was to address the current major factors affecting a timely
gazettal by using the capabilities of the desktop GIS as a methodological tool for the
presentation and analysis of Nature Refuge boundary. Chapter 3 focused on the major
constraints affecting a timely gazettal process. Data collection techniques, map
presentation and data integrity. Chapter 4 further developed the GIS gazettal
framework and dealt with issues such as spatial data accuracy, analysis and process
modelling. The Nature Refuge Geodatabase was developed and the GIS gazettal
framework was tested through analysis and multiple queries. The results and benefits
of this research provided evidence on the enhanced map presentation and the spatial
integrity and quality of Nature Refuge boundaries. The study has produced a model
informing where best to target conservation effort and investment when dealing with
mining issues. This strategic approach offers another avenue for the Nature Refuge
Program to follow in order to protect and conserve and therefore contribute to
preserving the environment.
7.2 CONCLUSION
GIS can make a significant contribution and play a key role in encouraging
biodiversity conservation on private land. When planned and implemented
appropriately its analytical environment can not only support the decision making
Chapter 7: Conclusions
Page 90
process but it can take a lead role in this process. The Nature Refuge Mapping
Program is a project currently in progress within Nature Refuge Branch. Three phases
of GIS gazettal framework have been implemented and proven to be of invaluable use
The GIS gazettal framework has enabled spatial data compliance to other
Government systems and provided the capacity to spatially network Nature Refuges.
The map template, map symbology and map quality standards developed by this
research significantly reduce the amount of time required to produce a plan and
therefore the work procedures leading towards establishing a Conservation
Agreement and gazettal of a Nature Refuge have been rationalized.
The labour-intensive manipulation of the boundary data is no longer necessary as the
boundaries are now integrated and available for viewing and downloading within a
few days after every gazettal. GIS has greatly improved the spatial integrity and
quality of Nature Refuge boundaries. Vital information on Nature Refuge assets can
now be retrieved in a more efficient and timely manner. The main aim of this research
was to adopt a scientific approach and develop a GIS framework for the Department
of Environment and Resource Management that will streamline the gazettal process of
Nature Refuge’s in Queensland. This aim has now been accomplished.
7.3 LIMITATIONS
The GIS discipline is fast paced technology therefore regular upgrades software and
hardware is crucial. Another key obstacle is that the technologies require the user to
learn the system’s language. In addition, geospatial technologies are not
“collaboration friendly” they impede rather than facilitate group work (MacEachren
and Cai 2006).
GIS can manage data and information, but it is generally not smart enough to do all
the work. Many operations in the GIS require human involvement (Chen 2008).
Therefore adequate and in depth training could be a limitation to successfully building
on the research design. Another constraint of this study would be the fact, that the
sheer volume of spatial data representing all protected areas of Queensland has limited
the research to only investigating the Nature Refuge Protected Areas.
Chapter 7: Conclusions
Page 91
7.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
It is appropriate to recognize enhancements that would be useful in continuation of
this research. These can be divided into three categories:
Further investigations into new geodatabase capabilities
Increasing the sophistication of the modelling techniques presented
Using the applications of GIS to identify/target land for Nature Refuges
The Nature Refuge Geodatabase design is suitable for moving forward therefore
building on the existing design and improving the efforts already made should be a
further research focus. The mining model contains a number of interrelated processes
alternative scenarios could be considered as the model can be easily adapted and the
mining data can be replaced by other negative environmental impacts affecting the
Nature Refuges. New functions and capabilities can be added to these models.
ANZLIC. 2001. ANZLIC Metadata Guidelines: Core Metadata Elements for Geographic Data inAustralia and New Zealand, ANZLIC. (accessed 21/04/2007).
Arctur, D. and M. Zeiler. 2004. Designing Geodatabases. Ed. ESRI. 1st ed. Redlands, California,USA: ESRI Press.
Berry, J., K, J. Delgado, A, F. Pierce, J and R. Khosla. 2005. Applying spatial analysis forprecision conservation across the landscape. Soil and Water Conservation 60 (6):363.
Burrough, P., A. 1986. Principles of Geographic Systems for Land Resources Assessment, ed.Oxford: Clarendon Press.
CAPAD. 2007. Technical Specifications for the Collaborative Australian Protected AreasDatabase CAPAD2008: Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database
Chen, Z., Tan. 2008. Hierarchy of Knowledge in GIS. Science in China: Series E TechnologicalSciences 51 (1):6-12.
Church, L., Richard. 2002. Geographical information systems and location science. Computers &Operations Research 29:541-562.
Clarke, C., Keith. 1986. Advances in Geographic Information Systems. Computers, Environmentand Urban Systems 10 (3-4):175-184.
Clarke, C., Keith. 1999. Getting Started with Geographic Information Systems. Ed. C. Clarke,Keith. 2nd ed, Prentice Hall Series in Geographic Information Science. Santa Barbara:Prentice- Hall, Inc Simon & Schuster/ A Viacom Company.
Clarke, R. 1997. Project Management in Protected Areas- a Tale of Two Systems Journal ofProject Management 15 (4):245-253.
Dana, H., Peter. 1995. The Geographer's Craft Project, edited by D. o. Geography: The Universityof Colorado at Boulder.
Department of the Premier and Cabinet. 2008. Toward Q2 Tomorrow's Queensland: QueenslandGovernment.
DERM. 2008. Procedural Guide Sustainable Industries: Department of Environment, and ResourceManagement
93
DEWHA. 2008. National Covenanting Data Management System: The Department ofEnvironment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Dueker, K., J. 1979. Land resource information systems: a review of fifteen years experience. Geo-Processing 1 (2):105-128.
ESRI. 2002. ArcPad Mobile Mapping and GIS. In ESRI White Paper, ed. ESRI. Redlands, CA,USA: ESRI Press.
Fengri, L. and Z. Yinghui. 2006. Development of a GIS-based decision-support system of forestresource management. Science in China: Series E Technological Sciences 49:76 85.
FGDC. 1994. Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata,, edited by F. G. D. Committee.:Washington DC.
GeoScience Australia. 2005. (accessed 16 October 2008).
Goodchild, M., F. 2002. Finding the Mainstream. Paper read at Joint AURISA and Institution ofSurveyors Conference, at Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Goodchild, M., F, J. Wright, D and J. Proctor, D. 1997. GIS: Tool or Science Demistifying thePersistent Ambiguity of GIS "Tool" versus "Science". Annals of the Association ofAmerican Geographers 87 (2):346-362.
Harvey, F. 2003. Developing geographic information infrastructures for local government: the roleof trust. The Canadian Geographer 47 (1).
Harvey, F. J. 2008. A Primer of GIS. 1st ed. New York: The Guilford Press.
Hunter, G., J. and E. Masters, G. 2003. What's Wrong with Data Quality Information. Paper readat Proceedings of the GIScience 2000 Conference, 2000, at Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Isaac, B., R. Cooke, D. Simmons and F. Hogan. 2008. Predictive mapping of powerful owl (Ninoxstrenua) breeding sites using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in urbanMelbourne, Australia. Landscape and Urban Planning 84 (3-4):212-218. <Go toISI>://000253749800004
IUCN. 1994. Commission on National Parks and Protected Areas: Guidelines for Protected AreaManagement Categories. International Union for the Conservation of Nature,Cambridge, UK.
94
Jones, V., A and F. Greven, J. 2004. Managing Engineering, Architectural and CartographicDrawings. The Information Management 56-61.
Karimi, A., Hassan and J. Blais, A, R. 1997. Current and Future Directions in GIS. ComputerEnvironment and Urban Systems 20 (2):85-97.
Korte, G. B. 2001. The GIS Book. Ed. S. Clark. 5th ed, Geographic Information Systems. Canada:Alar Elken.
Laba, M., R. Downs, S. Smith, S. Welsh, C. Neider, S. White, M. Richmond, W. Philpot and P.Baveye. 2007. Mapping invasive wetland plants in the Hudson River National EstuarineResearch Reserve using Quickbird satellite imagery. Remote Sensing of Environment 112(1):286-300. <Go to ISI>://000252574300021
Lee, C.-L., S.-L. Huang and S.-L. Chan. 2008. Biophysical and System Approaches for SimulatingLand-Use Change. Landscape and Urban Planning 86:187-203.
MacEachren, A., M. 1994a. Time as a Cartographic Variable. Ed. H. Hearnshaw and J. Unwin,Visualization in Geographical Information Systems. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
MacEachren, A., M. 1994b. Visualisation in Modern Cartography:Setting the Agenda. Ed.MacEachren and Fraser, Visualisation in Modern Cartography. Tarrytown: ElsevierScience Ltd.
MacEachren, M., Alan and G. Cai. 2006. Supporting group work in crisis management: visuallymediated human - GIS - human dialogue. Environment and Planning B: Planning andDesign 33:435-456.
Mackaness, W. 1996. Automated Cartography and the Human Paradigm in Cartographic Design.In Theoretical and Practical Perspectives. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Mersey, J., E. 1996. Cartographic Symbolization Requirements for Microcomputer-BasedGeographic Information Systems in Cartographic Design. In Theoretical and PracticalPerspectives. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Miller, R., G, A. Karimi, H. and M. Feuchtwanger. 1989. Uncertainty and its Management inGeographic Information Systems. Paper read at The Canadian Conference on GIS, 1989,,at Ottawa, Ontario.
Moellering, H. 1991. Whither Analytical Cartography? Cartography and Geographic InformationSystems 18:7-9.
Norman, D., A. 1988. The Design of Everyday Things. New York. Doubleday/Currency.
Padilla, C. 2008. Historical GIS: Mapping the past to understand the future. Online 32 (2):32-35.<Go to ISI>://000253187300006
Paegelow, M. and M. T. Camacho Olmedo. 2008. Modelling Environmental Dynamics InAdvances in Geomatic Solutions, edited by R. Allan, U. Forstner and W. Salomons:Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Roper, M., D. 2006. GPS to GIS Procedural Handbook & Reference Guide, edited by U. F. S. S.J. N. Forest.
95
Star, J. and J. E. Estes. 1990. Geographic Information Systems: An Introduction. Upper SaddleRiver NJ: Prentice Hall.
Tobler, W. 1970. A Computer Movie Simulating Urban Growth in the Detroit Region. EconomicGeography 26:234-240.
Tobler, W. 1976. Analytical Cartography. The American Cartographer 3:21-31.
Tomlinson, R. 2000. GIS in the New Millennium. Assessment Journal 21 (4):45-46.
Zhou, W., G. Chen, H. Li, H. Luo and S. Huang, L. 2007. GIS application in mineral resourceanalysis- A case study of offshore marine placer gold at Nome, Alaska. Computers &Geosciences 33:773-778.
96
Appendices
Appendix 1: The Nature Refuge Plan Created in AutoCAD
'''I ~.~
BYGANA
SPI64918
Nolo'e ~.fug. M,,, >110"'" .= Lo"" G""""m<:ll' .",", Soi", of 8el)'Jndo WWS O,;t"ot/Reg;on . Cen''''' oPA D;,t~ot: C""tr" pari," d De""i, County of D",y Slo'. ""ol",,,t. of C,"",~S To .... '" AMG Zooo 5S
SUP""O<i<o !. !O<)(1[lO 8253
®rnl(Jl'\l';'
3 ~"
DENNIS
BYGANA NATURE REFUGE Area aboui 331 ha.
, SP177201
N" l/..\II'r, NOO1HiNG ,- ""'~ =1 = '" := ill! I '" i ;ill!ll
AP/PA PDF Files Folder specifically for GIS draft and final map output to clients(PDF format)
BaseDataGISServer Extracted layers from the Enterprise GIS data on the O: drive
Cultural Cultural Heritage, Native Title, National Estate, Historical,Archaeological etc.
GoogleKML Google Earth KML or KMZ files
GPS Used for storage of data used for, and collected from, fieldworkwhere data is collected using GPS
ImageryRaster imagery (Satellite, aerial photos, UBD, scanned orcaptured images, rectified Google images, etc.) ECW, JPG,PNG etc. format
Map Templates Standardised Map Templates (MXD or MXT) to be used in theproduction of GIS maps for the Nature Refuge Plans
Mining Data relating to Oil, Gas, Mineral, Rock, Sand mining, orQuarries
N R Boundary Nature Refuge Boundaries, Exclusion Area Boundaries.
PropertyDCDB, Land Tenure, Ownership, Easements, propertyboundaries, Development Applications, Contaminated Land, orboundaries relating to individual land parcels
Naturerefugename_NRBDY.shp Nature Refuge boundary polygon format
DCDB_extract_ddmmyy.shp The clipped and exported DCDB
Naturerefugename_ZoneA.shp Domestic Zone
Naturerefugename_ZoneA_R.shp Relocatable Domestic Zone
Naturerefugename_ZoneB.shp Infrastructure Zone
Naturerefugename_ZoneB_R.shp Relocatable Infrastructure Zone
Naturerefugename_ZoneC.shp Restoration Zone
Naturerefugename_ZoneD.shp Agricultural Zone
Naturerefugename_APDraft_v1.1.pdf Draft AP plan, a new PDF must be created foreach draft version of a plan.
Naturerefugename_PADraft_v1.1.pdf Draft PA a new PDF must be created for eachdraft version of a plan
Naturerefugename_APFinal.pdf Final AP plan
Naturerefugename_PAFinal.pdf Final PA plan
100
Appendix 5: Reference 1 from the Nature Refuge Branch
REFERENCE
From the initial contact made with V1atka Varagic it was apparent that she held extensive corporate knowledge and spatial data management expertise in all of the Protected Areas currently managed by the Department of Enviromnent and Resource Management. Her seamless entry into the Departments data bases enabled an i=ediate delivery of services and products which was essential in meeting the tight time frames required.
Vlatka consistently demonstrated a vision and passion for her work throughout Stage 1 oftbe contract which incorporated -
I. The preparation of Protected Area plans from a backlog of Gazetted Nature Refuges dating fi'om April to December 2008.
2. Redesigning the Nature Refuge's corrupted spatial layer, updated all data entries aud formatting the data to integrate into the Department's Ecomaps.
3. The design and development of a new spatial layer of Potential Nature Refuges and Expressions of Interest for the Nature Assist Program throughout Queensland for future planning and analysis.
V1atka's familiarity with the Nature Refuge Program was integral to the successful development of this spatial data within the GIS platfonll.
Communication on all levels was provided within the program and areas were suggested for strategic planning and development. Clear and concise progressive reporting throughout the contract led to its extension to incorporate the 3rd part of Stage I.
The GIS layers for Nature Refuges and Coordinated Conservation Areas and Potential Nature Refuges are now operational wi thin the Department.
Congratulations have subsequently been received from the Conllllollwealth's National Reserve System team managing the national CAP AD database on the standard of our spatial layer in meeting their requirements for s11100th system integration.
V1atka's consultancy and advisory role was excellent from the initial contact to completion and her staff training has provided the department with confident and efficient GIS operational staff.
The Department's expectations were exceeded with the delivery of this contract and the highly professional manner, confidentiality and sensitivity displayed has impressed staff and management.
The Nature Refuges Branch was very fortunate to be able to contract Vlatka Varagic of Ma un sell as her in-depth knowledge of Departmental data bases has equipped her with skills and knowledge which we found invaluable.
16J4L- ;J/--Allan Williams Director Nature Refuges Program 21 April 2009
101
Appendix 6: Reference 2 from the Nature Refuge Branch
Queensland Government
Department of
Environment and Resource Management
OUTCOMES OF THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GIS FRAMEWORK FOR THE NATURE REFUGE BRANCH
The system is now a central element of the Nature Refuges Program. The Program has grown at a much faster rate than anticipated from a little under 100,000 hectares with Nature refuges in 1994 to nearly 2,100,000 hectares with the next gazettal in July, now comprising a little over 1 % of Queensland's land area and the second largest extent of protected area (after National Parks) in the State. The GIS system has been a major factor in our maintaining an effective administration throughout this growth, and has developed a series of potentials with analysis and reporting that are essential as the program has grown from minor to major status as a conservation mechanism.
Specific key points include:
The GIS environment enables boundaries of Nature Refuges and internal zones to be spatially referenced.
• Data integrity improved with the collection of GPS point data and the seamless integration into the office environment.
• Protected Area (P A) plan templates developed in conjunction with Guidelines and Procedure Manual have streamlined processes and improved delivery timelines and costing projections.
• Outsourcing of P A plan production to Councils to meet tight time frames and facilitate standardized delivery of the Koala Program is now feasible.
• Commonwealth funding for the development of a national database of nature refuges was received for stage 1 and stage 2 is on track for 2010. The Commonwealth was impressed with the standard and extent of our spatial layer in comparison with other states of Australia as CAP AD standards had been adopted from the onset of its development.
• Amendments to existing Nature Refuges are simplified with historic referencing of spatial data.
102
GIS digital database maintains accurate spatial data for storage, retrieval, research and analysis.
Applicants for Nature Assist rounds 2 and 3 (which provides incentive funding to private landowners entering into a nature refuge) were able to be transparently assessed and accurately compared by providing GIS data in vector and raster fOlmats to be applied to a CSIRO metric. Reliable data is now readily available for data modelling with complex programs such as numbers, types and extent of Mining on Nature Refuges, Koala habitat under protection in Queensland, Native Title claims, Easements, Leases and sub-leases. Gazetted, Proposed and Potential spatial layers were developed as tools for scoping and evaluating future planning and development.
GIS analysis is able to be performed on validated data for performance reporting, future analysis growth of the program and fiscal management.
GIS analysis mapping is now an integral part of all reports emanating from the Nature Refuge Branch and has been adopted by higher levels of management and publicly as a visual form of presentation to best represent the continued development and impact of the program. GIS based mapping has assisted in funding applications to support the growth and impact ofthe program' s acceptance by the community.
Data custodianship of spatial data has elevated the awareness of and the importance of the program.
The ability to validate, check geometry and perform topology checks on the spatial data to assure its integrity is an essential requirement as data custodians. This affords a reliability of data information essential to the business functions of the program.
• The Nature Refuge Program is tasked with growing 7,000,000 million hectares of land by 2020. The GIS systems developed have been integral to this achievement along with the commitment and dedication of all staff involved in its implementation and direction.
The GIS functionality has elevated and streamli",ed the delivery of data which has been seamlessly integrated into similar DERM environments to improve the protection of land of high environmental values in Queensland.
Allan Williams Director Nature Refuges Sustainable Communities and Landscapes Division Department of Environment and Resources Management Telephone: 07 3330 5392 Facsimile: 07 3330 5398 Mobile: 0408 797 490 www.derm.gld.gov.au Level 5, 400 George Street Brisbane Queensland PO Box 15155 City East QLD 4002