GIS Studies at Wildcliff

What is GIS?

GIS is a map-based technique that uses computer graphics to combine a map with other databases (such as land use, soil type, vegetation, etc) to create "geographic information systems" or GIS for short.

The method is employed to display and analyze spatial data which are tied to a relational database. This connection is what gives GIS its power: maps can be drawn from the database and data can be referenced from the maps. When a database is updated, the associated map can be dynamically updated as well. GIS databases include a wide variety of information: geographic, social, political, environmental, and demographic.

GIS uses layers, called "themes," to overlay different types of information, much as some physical maps use mylar overlays to add tiers of information to a geographic background. Each theme represents a category of information, such as forest cover or trails or structures. As with mylar maps, the layers which are underneath remain visible while additional themes are placed above.

• Create a layer or theme database containing contour lines based on existing topographical map
• Create a theme database of the perimeters of significant vegetation boundaries and species
• Create a theme database of the perimeters of the alien eradication project sub-areas
• Create a theme database of trails, structures and other landmarks
• Create a theme database of dams, ponds, rivers and streams
• Create a theme database of the baboon monitoring study
• Create a theme database of soil types and conditions
• Assemble data in GIS-compatible format on flora and fauna inventories, including trees, plants, and birds.
• Create data layers that can demonstrate distribution of inventoried flora and fauna
• Trace and map changes over time of inventoried flora and fauna

Location
Wildcliff is 17km north-east of Heidelberg, Western Cape. It is centered at about 33º57'S, 21º2'E with elevations from 290m to 1130m. The boundaries lie between 20º58.9'E on the west to 21º3.0' on the eastern side, and 33º58.5'S on the south to 33º55.9' at the northernmost point.

Mapping

Jim Cory, a scientist in Wisconsin, has created a theme database with topographical 20m contour lines (see preview below). Using South African databases, he has also developed GIS maps of Wildcliff that incorporate the results of several studies, including climate, geological features, and vegetative cover. Researchers at Wildcliff will have access to these files and data, stored on the Wildcliff server. The following illustrate three of the major results -- contour maps, geology and vegetation cover of the region. These and other mappings are stored as "shape files" for use with the ArcGIS series of GIS software.

click on the maps below to view bigger versions