A GIS FRAMEWORK FOR STREAMLINING THE NATURE REFUGE...

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,

geodatabases, mapping, modelling, nature refuge, protected areas, spatial analysis

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Abstract

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.

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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

1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Research Problem .................................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Aim of Research .................................................................................................................... 41.3.1 Objectives ................................................................................................................... 41.3.2 Hypothesis .................................................................................................................. 5

1.4 Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 5

1.5 Significance ........................................................................................................................... 5

1.6 Thesis Structure ..................................................................................................................... 6

2 CHAPTER 2: ENVIRONMENT SCAN .................................................................................... 8

2.1 Back to Basics ....................................................................................................................... 8

2.2 GIS and Mapmaking ........................................................................................................... 11

2.3 The Functions and Analysis of GIS ...................................................................................... 14

2.4 Geodatabases and Spatial Models ........................................................................................ 15

2.5 Environmental Mapping with GIS ....................................................................................... 18

2.6 GIS Supporting Major Queensland Projects ......................................................................... 21

2.7 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................ 23

3 CHAPTER 3: SPATIAL CHOREOGRAPHY ........................................................................ 24

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

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3.3.3 Standardizing the Gazetted Nature Refuge GIS Dataset ............................................ 423.3.4 Metadata ................................................................................................................... 463.3.5 Potential and Proposed Nature Refuge Datasets ......................................................... 47

3.4 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................ 49

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

4.3 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................ 65

5 CHAPTER 5: RESULTS .......................................................................................................... 66

5.1 The Nature Refuge Protected Area Plan ............................................................................... 67

5.2 The Nature Refuge Spatial Datasets ..................................................................................... 69

5.3 The Nature Refuge Geodatabase .......................................................................................... 75

5.4 Attribute and Spatial Query Results ..................................................................................... 76

5.5 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................ 81

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

6.3 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................................ 88

7 CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................... 89

7.1 Summary ............................................................................................................................. 89

7.2 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 89

7.3 Limitations .......................................................................................................................... 90

7.4 Recommendations................................................................................................................ 91

BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 92

APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................. 96

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List of Figures

Figure 2-1 The Analytical Process .................................................................................................. 14

Figure 2-2 Geodatabase Data Types ................................................................................................ 15

Figure 2-3 Geodatabase Elements ................................................................................................... 16

Figure 3-1 Building the GIS Gazettal Framework ........................................................................... 25

Figure 3-2 Trimble Nomad ............................................................................................................. 27

Figure 3-3 ArcPad Interface ........................................................................................................... 29

Figure 3-4 The Nature Refuge Map Template ................................................................................. 31

Figure 3-5 Nature Refuge Custom Symbology (Author 2008) ......................................................... 33

Figure 3-6 The Concept of Layers ................................................................................................... 36

Figure 3-7 Nature Refuge Feature Classes (Author 2008) ............................................................... 38

Figure 3-8 The System Integration Code (DERM 2005) ................................................................. 43

Figure 3-9 Metadata Standards for Gazetted Nature Refuges .......................................................... 47

Figure 4-1 Alignment Inaccuracies ................................................................................................. 51

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 4-8 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 5-6 Nature Refuge Statistics (2009) ..................................................................................... 74

Figure 5-7 Topology Rules Results ................................................................................................. 75

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

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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

Figure 6-2 ECOMAPS Session (DERM 2009) ................................................................................ 85

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List of Tables

Table 3.1 Internal Zones Attribute Categorization .......................................................................... 41

Table 3.2 CAPAD Standards (CAPAD 2007) ................................................................................. 45

Table 4.1 Feature Class Subtypes .................................................................................................... 55

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List of Abbreviations

ANZLIC: Australia and New Zealand Land Information Council

CAD: Computer Aided Design

CAPAD: Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database

CEMP: Construction Environmental Management Plan

DEWHA: The Department of Water, Heritage and the Arts

DCDB: Digital Cadastre Data Base

DEM: Digital Elevation Model

DERM: Department of Environment and Resource Management

DGPS: Differential Global Positioning Systems

EPC: Exploration Permits Coal

ES: Environment Summary

ESRI: Environmental Systems Research Institute

FGDC: Federal Geographic Data Committee

GDA: Geodetic Datum of Australia

GIS: Geographic Information System

GPS: Global Positioning Systems

IG: Integrated Geodatabase

IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature

LGA: Local Government Areas

MGA: Map Grid of Australia

NMEA: The National Marine Electronics Association

NR: Nature Refuge

PA: Protected Area

PANR: Protected Area Nature Refuge

QPW: Queensland Parks and Wildlife

RTCM: Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services

SYSTINCODE: System Integration Code

USL: Unallocated State Land

UTM: Universal Transverse Mercator

VBS: Virtual Base Station

WAAS: Wide Area Augmentation System

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Statement of Original Authorship

The work contained in this thesis has not been previously submitted to meet

requirements for an award at this or any other higher education institution. To the best of

my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written

by another person except where due reference is made.

Signature: _________________________

Date: _________________________

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Acknowledgments

I would like to thank my principal supervisor, Dr John Hayes, for his guidance and

supervision throughout my research. I am indebted to him for providing me with the

opportunity to undertake this research. It was an honour to work with both my associate

supervisors, Mr Steve Jones and Dr Arron Walker. I would like to convey my appreciation

and thanks for their generous support and professional guidance.

I would also like to recognise the Department of Environment and Resource Management for

their ongoing support. I am particularly grateful to Allan Williams the director of the Nature

Refuge Branch for his valuable advice during the implementation stage of this project. Equally

I would like to acknowledge my employer AECOM for allowing me the time off work to

complete this thesis. Special thanks to my fellow colleague Jack Zhang for his assistance and

GIS discussions. In addition, I would like to thank ESRI Australia for providing the necessary

software in order for me to complete this research.

Finally I thank my family for all their love and support. My husband Milan, my three

beautiful daughters Andrea Ena and especially Lora for her patience and understanding.

Chapter 1: Introduction

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1Chapter 1: Introduction

“A protected area is an area of land and/or sea especially dedicated to the

protection and maintenance of biological diversity, and of natural and associated

cultural resources, and managed through legal or other effective means” (IUCN

1994).

Protected areas are parts of the earth that are sheltered from development or from

other activities likely to damage their wildlife, ecological processes, archaeological

resources and landscape. Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites are

internationally designated areas. Other areas which have particular natural, cultural,

aesthetic or recreational value are national parks, nature reserves and nature refuges.

They are all seen as means of delivering environmental gains such as wildlife

conservation, environmental protection, archaeological and cultural values, therefore

large-scale or potentially damaging development is generally strictly controlled

(Clarke 1997).

Chapter One outlines the research problem, the research aim and the approach to

spatially representing Queensland’s Nature Refuges. Historically protected area

boundaries have been used to segment and structure the spatial ambience to support

the environmental management and planning procedures. Furthermore these

boundaries support the political and economic decision making process. Currently in

Queensland there are over 8.7 million hectares of protected areas. Nature Refuges

comprise the second largest expanse of Queensland’s protected area estate. This study

sets out to determine how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can support the

management of the Nature Refuge protected areas.

DERM (The Department of Environment and Resource Management), 2005

categorizes Nature Refuges as classes of protected area that can be created under the

Nature Conservation Act 1992. Nature Refuge’s include areas of freehold and

leasehold land that are the subject of a “Conservation Agreement”. A Nature Refuge


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acknowledges a commitment to preserve land with significant natural and/or cultural

heritage values in perpetuity.

A Gazetted Nature Refuge becomes part of a network of protected areas contributing

to the conservation and protection of Queensland’s biodiversity. National parks alone

cannot maintain the diversity of plants, animals and cultural variety found in

Queensland. Therefore landholders can play a vital role in protecting the state’s

biodiversity by initiating nature refuges on their property. A voluntary agreement is

established between a landholder and the Queensland Government that acknowledges

a commitment to preserve land with significant natural and/or cultural heritage values

in perpetuity. Each Nature Refuge agreement is negotiated directly with the

landholder and tailored to suit their management need. Every Nature Refuge plays an

important role in the conservation of Queensland’s environment. They protect

remnant bushland, native flora and fauna, corridors for wildlife and places of historical

or cultural significance (DERM 2008).

1.1 BACKGROUND

The first Nature Refuge was gazetted in 1994 since then there has been a significant

increase in their numbers throughout Queensland. In 2005 the number of Gazetted

Nature Refuges rose to two-hundred properties protecting 400 000 hectares of land.

At this point it became obvious that the Nature Refuge program was dealing with a

vast amount of geographic data and current systems used to capture this information

were not adequate. The project management of a Nature Refuge Gazettal consists to

a large degree as a spatial component. One of the major problems limiting the

integration, comparison and transfer of this boundary data was its preparation. In the

majority of cases the protected area boundaries have been created by individuals to

meet their specific needs, usually and as in the case of Queensland’s Protected Areas

Estate the mapping is carried out in non-spatial platforms such as Adobe Illustrator

with no spatial coordination. Therefore a considerable amount of data manipulation is

required in order to make use of this data in a spatial environment.


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1.2 RESEARCH PROBLEM

The current endeavours representing the Nature Refuge boundaries directly influence

the Nature Refuge Programs ability to preserve valuable ecosystems by challenging

detrimental factors affecting these properties. Data collection techniques, map

presentation and data integrity are the three major factors affecting a timely gazettal

process. The focus of this research will be on these constraints.

Data collection - Currently two methods exist to assemble boundary data. The first

method is collecting field data using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) units

with a manufacturer’s horizontal accuracy specification of around ±15m. Types of

field data collected include unsurveyed sections of the nature refuge boundary,

internal zone boundaries and exclusion areas. The second method consists of aerial

photo interpretation this process is used when ground-truthing is not possible as the

area is not accessible.

Map Presentation - The CAD revolution began in the early 1980s. It changed the

way the surveyors, engineers, planners and many other professionals carried out their

drafting work. Years after this technology breakthrough the GIS attracted little if any

attention. CAD systems were used to capture GIS data and many organisations used

CAD for mapping geographic data (Korte 2001). The design of Nature Refuge Plans

were also part of that revolution produced as a ‘bi-level’ or two colour image within

the AutoCAD environment they limited geographic information processing and

created numerous complexities for end users. Map clarity is one of the main concerns

Cartographic standards are lacking and the vital Nature Refuge internal and external

boundary information cannot be distinguished easily. As a result the maps are often

misinterpreted by the map reader. Appendix 1 illustrates the Nature Refuge Protected

Area Plan produced in AutoCAD.

Data Integrity - Problems arose when incorporating the boundaries into a GIS

environment. The process created alignment inaccuracies and more data manipulation.

Due to these, spatial data quality and integrity became a critical issue. The boundary


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information that evolved from AutoCAD was clearly not designed to be applied to a

wide range of applications.

The accurate spatial representation of Nature Refuge boundaries is clearly the

Department of Environment and Resource Management’s obligation to both the

government and private sector. Once gazetted Nature Refuges become part of a

network of protected areas, in 2009 the total number of Gazetted Nature Refuges was

366 protecting over 700,000 hectares across the state of Queensland. This research

will focus on the need to improve the current methods of the Nature Refuge Mapping

Program, by using the GIS based approach. The study will reconsider common GIS

features and propose several new functionalities.

1.3 AIM OF RESEARCH

The aim of this research is to adopt a scientific approach and develop a GIS gazettal

framework for the Department of Environment and Resource Management that will

streamline the gazettal process of Nature Refuge’s in Queensland. The intent is 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.

1.3.1 Objectives

The following research objectives are identified to achieve the aims of this

study:

Investigate and utilise GIS and its advanced functionalities to enhance the

mapping component of the Nature Refuge Program;

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; and

Evaluate the framework through meaningful analysis.


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1.3.2 Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this thesis is that GIS can streamline the gazettal process and

improve the spatial integrity and quality of Nature Refuge boundaries.

1.4 METHODOLOGY

The use of appropriate methodology when designing and analysing complex spatial

datasets is imperative to the accuracy and validity of the final outcome of any GIS

based research. The methodology outlined below has been devised with the main

research objectives in mind and is designed to prove/disprove the hypothesis stated

above.

The study objectives will be achieved through the following research design:

Conduct an environment scan to identify changes and trends in the field of

GIS technology and to justify the research design approach;

Build the system that will streamline the gazettal process using the ArcGIS

Server and Desktop GIS ArcInfo 9.3. software;

Merge data from many different sources, scales, and dates and recombine

them in a powerful display and analytical environment; and

Test and evaluate the system

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE

The Queensland Government’s plan for Tomorrow’s Queensland Q2 has been framed

around five ambitions for the whole state. The environmental challenges are identified

through the second ambition Green “We want to protect our lifestyle and

environment”. One of the long-term measurable 2020 targets for Green is to protect

fifty percent more land for nature conservation and public recreation (Department of

the Premier and Cabinet 2008). This research is unison with the Governments 2020

vision. The GIS gazettal framework proposed by this study will facilitate the

management of existing Nature Refuges; enable spatial monitoring and development

of future Nature Refuges, from the initial tender phase to the final gazettal stage.

Therefore having the ability to resourcefully exchange and integrate these boundaries


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in a spatial context within DERM, significant steps towards promoting conservation

on private land will be accomplished in a more efficient and timely manner.

1.6 THESIS STRUCTURE

The remainder of this thesis is organised into 7 chapters. Chapters 2 to 4 deal with the

literature review and methodology. Chapters 5 and 6 present the results and

evaluation, while Chapter 7 lists the conclusions. A more detailed summary of each

chapter is given below.

Chapter 2 reviews research and developments related to the field of GIS justifying

the research design approach. The chapter is divided into two main topics; the first

describes GIS fundamentals, commencing with the basics of GIS, the mapping

component of GIS and concluding with GIS analysis. Examples of various scenarios

where the use of the GIS has proved to be an invaluable tool will be presented. The

second topic offers an insight into the use of GIS in environmental conservation

mapping and current Queensland infrastructure projects that are supported by GIS.

Chapter 3 describes the development of the first three phases of the GIS gazettal

framework. Structured into three main themes it presents how to capture Nature

Refuge boundaries, how to construct the protected area plans and how to create

Nature Refuge spatial datasets. Outlined are new methods for collecting, constructing,

presenting and storing the boundary data in preparation for analysis. Chapter 3 is

fundamental to the success of the research as the current major factors affecting a

timely gazettal are addressed by using the capabilities of the desktop GIS.

Chapter 4 builds on the processes described in Chapter 3 and guides the research

design from mapmaking to the true power of GIS. A Nature Refuge Geodatabase is

developed placing Queensland’s Nature Refuge boundaries in a spatial environment

that facilitates analysis and promotes effective spatial data interchange. The main

focus of this chapter is data integrity, analysis and process modelling. The latter part

of the chapter tests the GIS grazettal framework through multiple queries. The query

answers are required for reporting purposes and Government decisions to be made.


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Chapter 5 presents the research results, exhibits the new and improved mapping

component of the Nature Refuge Mapping Program. The Nature Refuge Protected

Area Plan, the Gazetted, Proposed and Potential spatial datasets are all presented as

high quality cartographic outputs of the GIS system. In addition, this chapter presents

the Nature Refuge Geodatabase model, the Mining model and the results of various

other spatial queries.

Chapter 6 evaluates the GIS gazettal framework, discusses and summarises the

benefits of this study to the Public and Private Sector. The benefits are correlated to

the key customers of the spatial Nature Refuge dataset. Examples are provided

demonstrating that GIS can be used as a methodological tool for: decision support,

reporting and tracking performance within the Nature Refuge Branch. Spatial data

compliance to other Government systems and the capacity to spatially network Nature

Refuges streamline the gazettal process of Nature Refuge’s in Queensland.

Chapter 7 presents final conclusions and a summary of the key research tasks and

major contributions of the research. The chapter closes with the limitations of the

study and recommendations for future research.

Chapter 2: Environment Scan

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2Chapter 2: Environment Scan

“Call it what you like – the resurgence of geography, the reinvention of maps, or

the vindication of cartography – but the increasing prominence of geographic

information systems (GIS’s) becomes more pronounced every day” (Padilla 2008 pg.32)

Chapter two begins by presenting the basic concept and methodologies of GIS. The

review has been undertaken to justify the research design approach that will structure

the remainder of the thesis. The chapter also examines key literature related to

Geographic Information Systems and various aspects of the use of GIS applications to

emphasise the importance of this technology in the field of environmental protection

and conservation.

2.1 BACK TO BASICS

Geographical Information Science is a field of expertise that spans across multiple

disciplines. Geographic Information System is the equipment used in this field and in

order to successfully operate it one has to think like a Geographical Information

Scientist (Clarke 1999). The system consists of hardware and software designed for

the storage, retrieval; mapping and analysis of geographic data, there are several

different definitions for the meaning of GIS. Dating back to 1979 the following is a

summary of how some pioneers in the Geographic Information Science defined GIS.

“A Geographic Information System is a unique case of information systems where the

database consists of observations on spatially distributed features, activities or events,

which are definable in space as points, lines or areas. A geographic information

system manipulates data about these points, lines and areas to retrieve data for ad hoc

queries and analysis” (Dueker 1979).


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“Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer – assisted system for the

acquisition, storage, analysis and display of data that is geographically referenced or

related to real-earth coordinates” (Clarke 1986).

“A powerful set of tools for storing and retrieving at will, transforming and displaying

spatial data from the real world for a particular set of purposes” (Burrough 1986).

“An information system that is designed to work with data referenced by spatial or

geographic coordinates. In other words, a GIS is both a database system with specific

capabilities for spatially-referenced data, as well as a set of operations for working

with the data” (Star and Estes 1990).

It is a sophisticated model capable of developing, using, visualising and analysing the

geospatial data (ESRI 2004b).

Apart from mapping GIS is used for analysis, modelling and decision support in a

range of application areas. The ability to perform spatial analysis and the capability to

combine spatial and non-spatial data for analysis modelling and decision support are

the main features that differentiate GIS from other information systems (Karimi and

Blais 1997). The core element of a GIS is the use of a location referencing system so

that data about a specific location can be analysed in its relationship to other

locations. The coordinate systems that are commonly used are plane and global and

the system is capable of easily transforming from one referencing system making it

possible to combine data stored in different forms (Church 2002).

The planning field was the first discipline to utilise the principles of GIS through the

creation of thematic maps. Data was extracted from one map and placed on another.

In 1922 using the principle of a GIS operation that is known in modern GIS as

overlay a series of regional maps were prepared for Doncaster, England. These maps

showed general land use overlayed with contours of traffic accessibility. In 1950

Jacqueline Tyrwhitt wrote a landmark chapter called “Surveys for Planning” in the

Town and Country Planning textbook. Land elevation, surface geology,

hydrology/soil drainage and farmland were combined into a single map. In 1962 the

map overlay advanced when two planners at the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology added weighting by making the overlays different in their importance with

respect to each other. It was the thematic maps that lead cartography towards GIS

(Clarke 1999).


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More recently the rapid growth and use of GIS is a result of several unified factors.

The massive cost reductions in computer technology resulted in GIS software

products being available from commercial vendors and universities. Computer

workstations are capable of handling many of the computational, retrieval, and

storage problems within a reasonable amount of time and at reasonable cost. The

graphical displays and plotters are more modernized and fast, producing high-quality

output. Finally geographic data custodians particularly government agencies local

state and federal are more open to data-sharing at reasonable cost. The use of remote

sensing has expanded, especially in environmental monitoring, and this has led to the

need for systems that are capable of handling large amounts of data as well as serve as

a major source of land coverage information. The emergence of the satellite based

Global Positioning System (GPS) has made it easy to collect attribute data along with

its location at relatively low cost and with relatively high accuracy. All of these factors

played significant roles in the growth of the GIS industry (Church 2002).

Geographic objects in GIS can be represented as one of the three shapes only point,

line or polygon. This data is known as “vector” data. Vectors have the advantage of

accuracy they are used to define spatial objects for example towns, roads or

boundaries. The objects are then linked to attributes describing their characteristics.

As vectors are entered into the system as points, lines and areas they can then store

the features characteristics as properties in the attribute tables. These are the vector

properties used in analysis (Clarke 1999).

Geospatial data with properties like slope, temperature, elevation is represented as

surfaces or “raster” data. This data has numeric values rather than shapes and

represents the intensity of that particular property in geography. In the raster model

the earth is treated as one continuous surface and each location is represented as a cell

(ESRI 2004b).

Conversions from vector to raster are simple to carry out. The raster to vector

conversion on the other hand is a process of converting an image into vector-based

features and is more complex. The raster to vector process will be used in this study

to retrieve boundary information from hardcopy Protected Area Plans.


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2.2 GIS AND MAPMAKING

Analytical cartography arose in the 1960s as a by-product of geography’s quantitative

revolution wherein spatial statistical methods gained widespread application

throughout the parent discipline (Tobler 1976) (Tobler 1970).

Many researchers in the fields of cartography and GIS believe there is significant

overlap between the two as both fields are built on a unified spatial theory foundation

that includes common components such as graphic data structures (raster and vector)

and various mathematical and analytical methods. Some suggest that the significant

difference between analytical cartography and GIS relates to the cartography’s focus

on practical applications while GIS is predominantly focused on developing a base of

analytical theory (Moellering 1991). The focus of this study will be both on

cartography and GIS as they are equally important to the correct spatial

representation of Nature Refuge boundaries. Phase 2 of the GIS gazettal framework

develops the cartographic plan. Using the concepts of map communication it will

make the Nature Refuge Protected Area Plan useful and simple to understand by the

map reader.

In the past traditional cartographic mapmaking process failed to include the aspect of

working with geographic data collected by others. Modern geography and

cartography however form a strong relationship by sharing many principles,

conventions and basic concepts. The most significant relationship they formed was the

introduction of the GIS technology in the early 1960s. In most GIS work scenarios a

lot of data has already been prepared making cartographic presentations a totally

separate practice. Nevertheless geography and cartography have always been

interdisciplinary fields and many other disciplines continue to draw on their

knowledge. Today GIS has become a strong field and discipline of its own. Many

academics acknowledge the change in the relationship between geography and

cartography but question the future of cartography, assuming technology can do all

cartographic tasks. However concepts established over thousands of years still remain

significant. Regardless of what technology is capable of, professionals will always

need to produce the highest quality maps and others will benefit from their concepts

and skills (Harvey 2008).


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Many GIS promoters argue that GIS maps are intended only as quick intermediate

views of data rather than final polished maps, however the value of any GIS as a

visualization tool is greatly compromised if these quick views fail, for design reasons,

to communicate the true nature of the spatial information they represent (Mersey

1996).

In this context, it is suggested that map design plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness

of investigative data analysis (Mackaness 1996).

In general maps can fail because of the following factors:

Poor design

Wrong choice of symbols or colours

Wrong projection

Poor generalisation

Poor visual balance

Poor legend

Poor registration (ESRI 2004a).

Map clarity plays the key role in understanding and interpreting the collected data if

the cartographer does not have the ability to perceive or correctly portray the

environment or the information obtained from it the map can easily be misinterpreted.

It is, therefore up to the cartographers to develop the design tools that facilitate data

exploration (ESRI 2004a). Chapter Three of this thesis presents Phase 2 of the GIS

gazettal framework. This phase constructs the Nature Refuge Protected Area Plan in

GIS. The map template, map symbology and map quality standards developed by this

study will be presented.

Geographic data cannot be represented by simple geometries as used in Computer

Aided Design (CAD). Areas covering more than a few square kilometres have to

allow for the curvature of the earth. In order to represent the surface of the earth on a

flat piece of paper, the map area is projected onto the paper. Map projection is about


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projecting points from a sphere on to a flat surface. The main difference between

projections is the kind of distortions they introduce to the data (Albrecht 2007).

Once the map projection is established it is necessary to set up a coordinate system on

the map that will allow a point to be described in X-Y space. There are several types

of grids (or coordinate systems), used to divide the earth’s surface.

The Geographic Coordinate System, is one of the most common used coordinate

systems, it uses degrees of latitude and longitude to describe a location on the earth’s

surface. Lines of latitude run parallel to the equator and divide the earth into 180

equal portions from north to south. The reference latitude is the equator and each

hemisphere is divided into ninety equal portions, each representing one degree of

latitude. The Gazetted, Proposed and Potential Nature Refuge datasets will be in the

GDA 94 Geographic Coordinate System.

The Universal Transverse Mercator projection is one of the most popular

projections as it allows precise measurements in meters to within 1 meter. The

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) projection is used to define horizontal,

positions world-wide by dividing the surface of the Earth into 6 degree zones, each

mapped by the Transverse Mercator projection with a central meridian in the centre of

the zone. UTM zone numbers designate 6 degree longitudinal strips extending from

80 degrees South latitude to 84 degrees North latitude. UTM zone characters

designate 8 degree zones extending north and south from the equator. Eastings are

measured from the central meridian (with a 500km false easting to insure positive

coordinates). Northings are measured from the equator (with a 10,000km false

northing for positions south of the equator)

(Dana 1995).

When creating the protected area plan the individual Nature Refuge boundary will be

designed in the Map Grid of Australia (MGA) projection, Zones MGA54, MGA55 or

MGA56 depending on the boundaries location within Queensland. When integrating

the individual boundaries into the Nature Refuge spatial dataset they will be re-

projected to the Geodetic Datum of Australia GDA94.

GIS cartography has many advantages it can be cost-effective, accelerates the

cartographic process, provides screen and interactive maps and it can show dynamic


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phenomena in real time. The cartographic design is a complex task and a highly

creative mental activity that requires thinking in visual terms, such as visual balance,

visual hierarchy and visual levels (ESRI 2004a).

2.3 THE FUNCTIONS AND ANALYSIS OF GIS

A variety of tasks can be performed using the GIS technology. Data input, data

manipulation, data management, data analysis and data visualisation are the core

functions of GIS. Clarke (1999) categorised and described these functions as the

“critical six” must have functions for the software to qualify as a GIS.

Not much has changed since Clarke’s categorization of GIS functions. In 2009 ESRI

still identifies: capture, store, query, analyse, display and output as the main GIS

functions. This research will investigate the capabilities and functions the GIS offers,

with the intention of utilising these capabilities to assist the Nature Refuge Programs

efforts in promoting conservation. GIS will be used to its full capacity as it will

perform the six fundamental functions. Additionally it will be the main cartographic

tool for the final presentation of high-quality maps (ESRI 2005). GIS is used to

provide information to answer questions and make decisions. The analysis method

selected to provide an answer will depend on the type of question asked. Action is

then taken based on the results of the analysis.

Figure 2-1 depicts the five steps of ESRI’s (2005) analytical process. This process

will be applied in the latter part of this thesis when analysing the Nature Refuge spatial

datasets.

Figure 2-1 The Analytical Process


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2.4 GEODATABASES AND SPATIAL MODELS

Figure 2-2 illustrates the geodatabase as a collection of geographic datasets, designed

to store, query, and manipulate geographic information and spatial data (ESRI 2006).

It provides the ability to leverage data relationships, enforce data integrity and create

intelligent features. Within the Nature Refuge spatial database, vector data will be

stored as point, line and polygon geometry data type with an associated spatial

reference system (ESRI 2006).

Figure 2-2 Geodatabase Data Types

Understanding geodatabase elements is important for building a sound design (Arctur

and Zeiler 2004).Vector data is stored in the geodatabase as thematic layers otherwise

known as feature classes. The Gazetted, Proposed, Potential and Historic Nature

Refuges will be stored in the geodatabase as a collection of geographic features with

the same polygon geometry type. They will be grouped together within a feature

dataset with the same coordinate system to model geospatial relationships between

them.


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In the geodatabase raster data is stored as raster datasets; each image is stored as its

own thematic layer. Multiple rasters can be grouped into a raster catalog (a collection

of raster data), or if the rasters are adjacent to each other, they can be mosaicked into

a single raster dataset (ESRI 2006). Figure 2-3 shows a general geodatabase structure

and the various types of elements that can be stored.

Figure 2-3 Geodatabase Elements

Zhou et al. (2006) used the GIS technology to analyse the offshore marine placer gold

deposits at Nome, Alaska. The primary task of the project was building geodatabases.

The digital data was in many different formats so in order to store and integrate the

information two relational geodatabases were created. The Integrated Geodatabase

(IG) was used for data management, information query and served as a warehouse to

store various geological data such as borehole, bedrock geology, surficial geology and

geochemical data. The second geodatabase R2.5DG was generated based on the IG

and was used to estimate gold resources, define orebody boundaries and perform

grade interpolation. The R2.5DG facilitated data management, retrieval and

integration and was used to perform advanced analysis tasks such as queries,

geostatistical and numerical modelling (Zhou et al. 2007). Similarly the Nature Refuge


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Geodatabase will be created to store and manage all data relating to internal and

external Nature Refuge boundaries. It will add intelligence to the spatial boundaries

and enforce data integrity between them for a more comprehensive and accurate

spatial product.

Three approaches exist for using a GIS with application models. Each approach has

its advantages and disadvantages (Karimi and Blais 1997).

1. Using the GIS and models as separate systems, with the output of one being

fed into the other. The advantage of this first approach is the simplicity of the

process. The disadvantage is the amount of manual procedures involved and

the fact that it can be time consuming.

2. Using the GIS functionality within the models. The advantage of the second

approach is GIS functions can be optimised to the exact needs of the models.

The undesirable effect is that GIS functionality is limited to the needs of

models and any extension can require programming efforts.

3. Using the models within the GIS. The advantage of this approach is that that

the resulting system is a general system. The disadvantage is the models data

and structures are dictated by the data and structures of the GIS (Karimi and

Blais 1997).

This study will employ the second approach and use the GIS functionality within the

models. Programming will be done with Model Builder as the advanced functions in

ArcGIS facilitate building spatial system models without combining different

programs.

In 2008 Lee, Huang and Chan inspired by Land-use and land-cover change (LUCC)

projects, examined complex land-use change systems and embarked on developing a

land-use change model. In the past various models have been created to simulate land-

use change, but no biophysical approach that can identify material and energy flows in

a land-use change system existed. In order to develop spatial system models that can

simulate land change, programming was needed to combine system dynamics with

Geographical Information System software. Therefore due to its difficulties in dealing

with spatial interactions and integrating different software programs, costs and the

fact that advanced programming skills were required. Spatial system models haven’t


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received much attention nor have they been applied widely. To overcome

methodological disadvantages of spatial system modelling Lee et al. (2008) study

presented a novel procedure that uses Geographical Information System (GIS) in

modelling a spatial system. To simulate land-use change, an example was utilized to

demonstrate the capabilities of Model Builder in GIS software.

The study explores the biophysical perspective of land-use change to identify material

and energy flows during land-use change. The study integrates different Spatial

Analyst functions into a spatial system model in Model Builder. Improvements for

spatial system models are developed to solve the problems associated with spatial

homogeneity and simplified spatial interactions. The proposed procedure, which

utilises Model Builder in ArcGIS, is presented and tested using a 10×10 cell space

with three scenarios to demonstrate the feasibility of the procedure and explanatory

power of the model. Model Builder in ArcGIS is an interface used to create models. It

is an object-oriented environment that formalizes procedures for processing GIS data

and other spatial analysis actions. The objectives of spatial system models are not to

develop spatial forecasting models but to design explanatory models for analysing

(Lee ,Huang and Chan 2008).

Model Builder will be investigated in this research and will be used to automate the

most frequently performed tasks by the Nature Refuge staff an example would be

providing a timely response to enquiries on Nature Refuge statistics from the Federal

and State Government. The answers provided are currently driving the decision

making processes within Nature Refuge Program. The models fast analysis capability

will facilitate solving simple or complex problems and enable to execute a series of

tasks more efficiently.

2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING WITH GIS

In order to increase their abilities to analyse spatial data and link map variables with

appropriate management actions conservationists have been using spatial technologies

such as GPS, remote sensing and GIS. GPS receivers are used to establish positions

on the earth surface within a few meters or less. Geo-referenced remote sensing is

used to monitor landscape characteristics. Finally GIS is utilised to store attribute


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analyse and display that data (Berry et al. 2005). The following three reviews attempt

to support the hypothesis of this study.

Isaac et al. (2006) study predictive mapping of powerful owl breeding sites utilised

GIS to analyse ecological attributes present in current powerful owl (Ninox Strenua)

breeding sites. The methodology employed two study areas; the first consisted of

current breeding sites these were used to collect habitat characteristics data. The

second covered eastern part of Melbourne and was used to produce a predictive map

highlighting potential breeding sites and the species distribution. Within each breeding

site GPS was used to record locations for nest trees. The GIS overlay analysis was

performed on the eastern Melbourne study site using ecological characteristics

recognized at current breeding sites. Data layers from both sites were compiled using

ArcView as well as raw data layers of tree density, hydrology, ecological vegetation

classes, land use zones and slope data. To validate the reliability of the output

comparisons were made between historical records and the predictive mapping

results. Evaluation of this data indicated a significant relationship with 76% of

historical breeding sites located within the potential breeding sites predicted (Isaac et

al. 2008).

The Nature Refuge boundary information will be collected using the GPS and the

overlay analysis will be performed between the captured data and the Digital Cadastre

Data Base (DCDB) in order to validate existing surveyed boundaries but also to

construct new spatial boundaries of the protected area.

Fengri and Yinghui (2006) developed a multilevel GIS-based decision support system

of forest resource management for Shangzhi National Forestry Bureau, Heilongjiang

Province, China. The systems functionality included the analysis of forest resources by

area distribution eg. Dominant tree species, age and classes, or forest divisions

encompassing near-mature, mature and over-mature forest resources of commodity

forests. It was also useful for analysing spatial relationships between dominant species

and topographic variables as well as performing spatial searches for forest areas

suitable for regeneration, thinning or cutting. They used ArcInfo, ArcView, Geoway

3.0, ERDAS Imagine and R2V raster to vector software. Geographic data included

topographic maps forest inventory, sample plot data, forest types, TM images and


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GPS data. Processes included scanning, raster to vector conversions, creation of

digital topology, attributing data and structuring the spatial database. Display,

cartography, dual-comprehensive querying of spatial and attribute data, GPS

positioning, statistical analysis, updating resource data, etc were also some of the

many functions this GIS system provided to its users (Fengri and Yinghui 2006).

The GIS methodologies applied by Fengri and Yinghui will also be utilised in this

research. ArcInfo and ArcView will be used to compile Nature Refuge boundary

information. Processes such as scanning and raster to vector conversions will be used

to retrieve boundary information from hardcopy maps. Attributing the Nature Refuge

datasets will allow spatial and attribute queries to be performed. Finally a spatial

database will be created to leverage data relationships, enforce data integrity and

create intelligent features.

Laba et al. (2007) study involved mapping invasive wetland plants in the Hudson

River National Estuarine Research Reserve using QuickBird satellite imagery. The

National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) program tracks changes in ecological

resources of representative estuarine ecosystems and coastal watersheds. Utilising

high spatial resolution satellite imagery plant communities and invasive plants within

the Hudson River were mapped. The images were rectified and geo-referenced to the

Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system and the North American

Datum of 1983 (NAD83).The image processing component involved classification of

the imagery to distinguish areas of different dominant vegetation. Using the ERDAS

Imagine software package and a maximum-likelihood classification 20 land-cover

maps were produced. GPS was used to collect points along plot boundaries and data

concerning the immediate environment was collected and recorded. Onscreen

digitising was used to produce field plots of the GPS points and field data.

Conventional contingency tables and a fuzzy set analysis served as a basis for

accuracy assessments. The accuracy figures assessed by the contingency tables were

73.6%, 68.4%, 67.9% and 64.9%. Fuzzy assessment tables had even higher estimates

for map accuracies figures such as 83%, 75%, 76% and 76% suggesting that high-

resolution satellite imagery offers a huge prospective for mapping of invasive plant

species (Laba et al. 2007).


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DERM has a collection of recent cloud free geo-referenced and ortho-rectified

imagery, ranging from aerial photos to LANDSAT, SPOT QuickBird and IKONOS

satellite imagery. This imagery will be used as a base-map for onscreen digitising to

capture internal and external Nature Refuge boundaries where the area is not

accessible. The GPS will be used as the primary tool to capture field data.

2.6 GIS SUPPORTING MAJOR QUEENSLAND PROJECTS

GIS is used in a wide range of disciplines and organisations. In an organisation

whether it is the public or private sector GIS is best utilised if it is positioned as an

umbrella over the organisational multiple specialised disciplines (AECOM 2009). As it

can play a key role in asset management, infrastructure, engineering design,

environmental management, land management and natural resource management. GIS

connects these disciplines, departments and organisations. The ability to data-share

spatial data whether within a business or across multiple organisations has become

increasingly important and is a key factor in the successful implementation of a GIS.

In recent years there has been significant progress in sharing spatial data however

there still exists a level of hesitation. Harvey (2003) states that trust is the essential

ingredient in establishing partnerships and sharing data. Providing your data to other

organisations where you have limited or no influence can be an overwhelming task.

Some of the factors influencing the data sharing process are: who gets political and

financial control, managing updates to ensure accuracy, meeting requirements and the

provision of metadata (Harvey 2003).

There are many advantages of utilising GIS to assist in solving practical problems.

The advanced GIS capabilities are utilised in most of Queensland’s major

infrastructure projects. The data collection, data retrieval, analysis and reporting

functionalities allow the project teams to carry out the work in an innovative way. The

GIS desktop analysis capability has demonstrated to be an invaluable instrument in

achieving excellence in project management for environmental projects.

AECOM is one of the top three worldwide organisations specialising in environmental

design/engineering. The company undertakes a diverse range of large projects such as:


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Environmental Studies, Transportation Asset Management and Corridor Suitability

Analysis for Pipeline, Road, Electricity and Railway design. Environment Summary’s

(ES) and Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMP) are prepared prior

to the works being carried out.

The purpose of the ES is to identify key environmental issues and their relevance to

proposed works. The purpose of the CEMP is to ensure that appropriate actions are

taken to mitigate the environmental issues identified in the ES. Extensive data

collection is required on environmental values. GIS desktop analysis and field

inspections are the backbone of these assessments. Spatial datasets such as Regional

Ecosystems, Biodiversity Planning Assessments, Koala habitat, Protected Area Estate

boundaries and Nature Refuge and Coordinated Conservation Areas are consulted.

Conclusions and recommendations are made on assumptions that the information

derived from these datasets is current and accurate. The GIS gazettal framework

developed by this study will ensure spatial data quality and integrity when

representing Queensland’s Nature Refuge boundaries. The Nature Refuge Branch will

gain the trust needed to share their data with other organisations.

GIS plays a fundamental role during the initial stages of projects. The Differential

Global Positioning System (DGPS) is used to collect field data. ArcGIS desktop is

utilised for analysis and provides an ongoing support tool during the project.

Additionally GIS is the main cartographic tool for the final presentation of high-

quality maps and charts. Spatial data is stored, organised and structured before the

initial analysis is performed. The native data structure for ArcGIS the geodatabase is

utilised as the primary format for spatial data storage and management. The advanced

functionality of the geodatabase allows additional manipulations of the data stored,

assisting the management team with further investigations and decision making

processes during the project.

The scope of GIS tasks commonly performed throughout a project:

Spatial data collection and coordination.

Spatial data transformations and coordinate conversions

GIS data capture


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Spatial analysis

Map presentation

3D analysis

The GIS-based approach to these projects proved to be truly innovative, both in the

design, analysis and financial components (AECOM 2009).

2.7 CHAPTER SUMMARY

The chapter has presented the basic concepts of GIS and its origins; it offered a more

in depth look at the capabilities principles and structure of GIS. A variety of examples

dealing with environmental problem solving demonstrated the diversity of this

technology. The collection, analysis and storage of spatial information is essential to

any small or large scale engineering or environmental project. GIS is used in the

preliminary stages of a project, this can be in the form of producing a simple map

showing environmentally significant locations, or spatial analysis to show

relationships, site and route suitability and change detection. It is at this stage the

spatial quality and integrity of the Nature Refuge boundaries is tested. They are

overlayed with a variety of spatial data and recommendations are made on

assumptions that the dataset is current and accurate.

This chapter has revealed that GIS technology is exceptionally capable of providing

assistance in the decision making process of a variety of fields across an organisation.

GIS can amalgamate data and provide decision makers with a powerful tool to collect

knowledge on disciplines as diverse as ecology, infrastructure, planning transportation

utilities and many more. When utilised as one, it contains the key elements to support

action. Within this context the following chapters will give a concise presentation

aimed at testing the hypothesis:

GIS can streamline the gazettal process and improve the spatial integrity and

quality of Nature Refuge boundaries.

Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography

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3Chapter 3: Spatial Choreography

“Imagine what it would be like when trying to find something in the

libraries and databases of the world, where organisation was done by someone

else who had no idea of what my needs were. Chaos, Sheer chaos” (Norman

1988 pg.215)

This research is about developing a GIS gazettal framework to streamline the Nature

Refuge gazettal process. The framework encompasses a number of interrelated

phases. Figure 3-1 illustrates the fundamental steps to be undertaken in order to

accomplish the aim of this research. Chapter 3 develops the framework, addresses

issues such as data collection and proposes improvements to the current method used

for collecting boundary information. The focus will be on survey quality techniques

such as the DGPS to capture boundary information. The chapter then deals with the

map presentation issues. Map clarity problems have been addressed by creating a

visually balanced and easy to read protected area plan, as discussed in the previous

chapter the cartographic quality is essential for the maps validity. Map features that

are difficult to read can be easily misinterpreted as the maps core value lies in its

graphical presentation of information (Jones and Greven 2004).

The latter part of the chapter will focus on constructing spatially accurate Nature

Refuge datasets. The aim of Chapter 3 is to achieve the following research objective:


mapping component of the Nature Refuge Program.


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Figure 3-1 Building the GIS Gazettal Framework

3.1 CAPTURING NATURE REFUGE BOUNDARIES

The Nature Refuge Mapping process begins in the field with the data collection

method playing a vital part in the quality of mapped features. Fundamental to this

study is the spatially correct presentation of the Nature Refuge boundaries.


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3.1.1 Support and Key Equipment Required

GPS Receivers

ArcPad

ArcGIS Desktop/ArcInfo

X Tools

Access to Enterprise GIS Server

Access to SmartMap Information Services (SMIS)

Estate Register Access (username & password)

3.1.2 Employing Survey Quality Collection Techniques

When utilising the Global Positioning System (GPS), information is received from

satellites orbiting the earth. The GPS is a satellite based navigation system used for

civilian navigation and positioning, surveying and scientific applications.

It is one of the most accurate tools used for mapping. Figure 3-2 illustrates the

Trimble GPS unit, these units are specifically designed to collect and store spatial

information. Data collected with Trimble units and differentially corrected under

normal conditions will yield an accuracy confidence ranging from sub-meter to five

meters. On the other hand Garmin units are primarily designed as navigation tools.

The Handheld Garmin units that are currently used to collect boundary information do

not have post-processing differential correction capability. However many receivers

have the capability to use Differential Global Positioning System DGPS and Wide

Area Augmentation System WAAS. It is important to have the unit set correctly in

order to obtain quality data. Also, higher-end models tend to have the technology of

increased filter capabilities that will provide for an even better GPS/GIS output. Poor

data collection techniques and errors like multipath can increase the need for editing

the collected data if it is to be used in GIS correctly (Roper 2006).


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Figure 3-2 Trimble Nomad

To improve the accuracy of positions obtained from GPS, differential corrections can

be applied to the observed position at a remote site. These corrections are calculated

at one or more base stations by comparing the observed position with the known

position. The base stations may be a permanent service, or be setup specifically for a

project. When applied at the remote site these corrections greatly enhance the

positional accuracy. The correction can be in terms of position, or more often in terms

of the observed satellite-receiver distance (the pseudo-range). The corrections may be

collected and applied at a later time, or they may be broadcast immediately to the

remote site by mobile phone, radio or satellite communications. Two commonly used

formats for this type of differential correction are the NMEA and RTCM formats.

DGPS positioning can be carried out with some simple hand held receivers over a few

10s of kilometres, or it may be done with sophisticated multi-base-station systems

integrated with satellite communications, to cover a region of thousands of kilometres

(wide area differential navigation). The accuracy of DGPS, of the order of a metre,

generally degrades with increased distance from the nearest base station (GeoScience

Australia 2005). DGPS is the method of improving positional accuracy of a GPS


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location, by applying corrections from a known position or base station. The

corrections applied, remove the effects of atmospheric errors, timing errors and

satellite orbit errors.

The Hemisphere R130 antenna and decoder is what allows the system to work at 50 -

70cm accuracies in real-time. This is called the VBS system (Virtual Base Station).

The OmniSTAR DGPS VBS is a satellite based differential signal that is accessed

through an annual subscription. It is consistent real-time sub-metre accuracy with

world coverage 24hrs a day. The OmniSTAR VBS technology uses all reference

stations in the vicinity of the receiver and computes a set of enhanced RTCM

corrections for the user’s position. In this way, the user is provided with corrections

without the need to manually select a reference station and is protected from the

failure of any single reference station (GeoScience Australia 2005).

3.1.3 Mobile Mapping and GIS

ArcPad is the world’s main GIS software package used for mobile mapping (ESRI

2002). It provides field personnel with the ability to capture, analyse and display

geographic data. Field mapping with ArcPad is efficient and accurate it incorporates

data input from GPS receivers with data directly from an organization’s GIS system.

The captured data can easily be downloaded to ArcGIS for further processing. It is

easy to use and affordable. An extensive array of ArcGIS symbols are supported in

ArcPad. Figure 3-3 illustrates the resemblances of the ArcPad interface to ArcGIS

this enables maps in ArcPad to mirror the appearance of those in ArcGIS. Therefore

using familiar symbology, which complies with organizational standards, makes it

easier for field personnel to use mobile devices loaded with ArcPad when collecting

data (ESRI 2002).


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Figure 3-3 ArcPad Interface

3.2 DESIGNING NATURE REFUGE PLANS IN GIS

Analytical Cartography has been around since the late 1960’s. Professor Waldo

Tobler is widely considered as the father of Analytical Cartography a course taught by

him as part of the geography program at the University of Michigan. The core

principles of Analytical Cartography are the creation of maps that can be easily

explored, interpreted and analysed (Tobler 1976).

Appropriate cartographic communication is essential for the map to be understood.

When designing the Protected Area Plan the author’s intention was to fulfil the

following map objectives:

Design a truthful representation of reality

Interpret the raw data accurately

Select clear symbology

Seek new software techniques to assist the map reading process.

Create a useful, visually balanced and easy to understand map product. (ESRI

2004a).


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3.2.1 The Map Template

The map design consists of devising a balanced and effective set of cartographic

elements. The GIS makes this technique possible by supplying tools to generate

modify and rebuild the map (Clarke 1999). Geographic Information and maps are

ways of making people understand. Both communicate in different ways and at

different levels to a diverse audience influencing what people know. The essential

element of most maps is colour when applied properly it serves as a powerful

communication tool (Harvey 2008). Colour is fundamental to the Nature Refuge

Plans as it highlights the boundary and effectively communicates different zones

within the protected area. A quick way of creating a new map is using a template.

Figure 3-4 represents the Nature Refuge template developed by this study, portrayed

as a map document it has a custom interface and a predefined layout that arranges

elements such as logos, legends, north arrows and scale bars on the virtual page.

Templates are essential to the Nature Refuge Mapping Program as many maps with

the same design need to be created. The template created specifies the standard plan

size, styles, font, title block, line, shading, borders and layout (ESRI 2004a).


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Figure 3-4 The Nature Refuge Map Template


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3.2.2 Symbology

Styles are an organised collection of elements used to create maps. Styles incorporate

elements such as symbols, scale bars, north arrows, colours and patterns providing

information on:

Symbol properties

Labels specifications

Colour schemes

Legend and scale bar characteristics

Coordinate and reference systems (ESRI 2004a).

Styles are a powerful tool they not only define how data is drawn but also provide

storage for map elements. To promote consistency in the Nature Refuge Mapping

Program style manager was used to configure custom styles for the Nature Refuge

Protected Area Plans.

Figure 3-5 illustrates the custom styles developed by the author. The Nature Refuge

boundary, the DCDB parcels and internal zone patterns were all symbolized in order

to accelerate the mapping component of the protected area plan production. The

symbol sets have been grouped into the Protected Area Nature Refuge (PANR.style)

palette under the PA Plan Symbols. Colour is very important as it can greatly affect

the interpretation of a plan. Standard colours for representing Nature Refuge

boundaries have been selected by the author and approved by the Nature Refuge

Branch. Olivenite Green represents the Gazetted Nature Refuges of Queensland,

Electron Gold is the colour for the Proposed Nature Refuge boundaries and Rose

Quartz stands for the Potential Nature Refuge boundaries. The colour selection has

been chosen intentionally to reflect the working stages of these properties by

portraying them to replicate the functions of traffic signals.


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Figure 3-5 Nature Refuge Custom Symbology (Author 2008)

3.2.3 Map Quality Standards

The following cartographic standards are used by this study for the map presentation

of Nature Refuge Protected Area plans.

All items on the Nature Refuge Protected Area plan to be shown using the

standard colours and line styles and symbols developed by this study. Styles

are stored in the following style file PANR.style. Standard text styles must

also be used – these are listed in Appendix 2.

The subject parcel/s must be identified with a lot identifier in accordance with

the QSIC Parcel Identification Standard. The subject area must be shown in

bold and with slightly larger text than adjoining lots. Where space does not


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permit the identification of a parcel, the text may be placed outside the parcel,

and indicated with a solid black arrow.

Where the Proposed Nature Refuge covers all of an existing or proposed lot

on plan with no exclusion zones the existing lot on plan should be used to

define the boundary using the standard PANR.style.

Where the Nature Refuge covers part of a lot on plan and the remainder is

excluded use the cadastral boundaries where possible. The whole exclusion

area must be clearly defined by one seamless boundary outline. Any internal

boundaries that are within the exclusion area must be shown using the DCDB

standard line style.

Where the Nature Refuge encompasses multiple lots the whole subject area

must be clearly defined by one seamless boundary outline. Internal nature

refuge boundaries must not be highlighted and are to be shown using the

DCDB standard line styles.

The parcels that are the subject of the plan must show an area. Where the

Nature Refuge area is a part of parcel/s, or is a whole of parcel that has not

been surveyed, the area must be shown to the nearest hectare. Where the

Nature Refuge area is a whole of parcel, and the parcel has been surveyed, the

area shown must be the surveyed area. The area must be shown on the face of

the plan, inside the boundary concerned. Where space does not permit the

total area to be shown inside a parcel, the total may be shown by statement.

e.g. “Total Area Lot XX Abt 3.222ha”

Adjoining lots should be shown and identified in accordance with the QSIC

Parcel Identification Standard. Where an existing Protected Area is shown, it

must be labelled with its gazetted name. An adjoining Gazetted Nature Refuge

property must be shown using the appropriate style created in PANR.style.

The plan must clearly identify the source of the information used in preparing

the plan for example topographic maps, aerial photography, the DCDB,

sketches, GPS points. The date and/or version must also be shown.

A table of reference points must be shown if these were used to construct the

boundary. For points derived by GPS equipment, the table should be headed

“GPS Reference Points”. The datum/projection used on the GPS unit for data


Page 35

collection should be stated. Where reference points have been generated from

a GIS the table should be headed “Derived Reference Points for GPS”. Where

reference points are generated, ground truthing is required.

GPS points should be displayed to the accuracy of capture. If ground truthing

has not occurred, GPS points can only be displayed to the accuracy of the

base data.

The following note must accompany a table of reference points: “Note: GPS

control points are to be used for the location of internal boundaries only.

Responsibility for locating these boundary lies solely with the landholder.”

A locality diagram, showing the outline of Queensland, major towns and the

location of the subject parcel/s.

A north arrow and scale bar

3.2.4 File Naming and Folder Structure

There is a vast amount of GIS files required in compiling data to support a variety of

mapping and analysis tasks for a single Nature Refuge property. As GIS can use an

immense amount of drive space for the continual number of files archived. It is vital

to think systematically about how data is to be stored, updated and accessed.

Appendix A3 and A4 contain the Nature Refuge file naming and folder structure

standards. A cohesive compilation approach has been adopted to structure spatial data

into base folders; these folders provide a predictable means of understanding where

collected data should be stored.

3.3 CREATION OF NATURE REFUGE SPATIAL DATASETS

In GIS, the geographic data is in the form of layers. Figure 3-6 illustrates the concept

of a GIS which is overlaying a number of data layers to relate variables at the same

geographic location. The GPS collected point boundary data is overlayed with the

Nature Refuge polygons, these polygons have been created from the GPS collected

points and the existing boundaries of the DCDB. Other layers include the Protected

Area Estate boundaries, the DCDB and raster layers such as Scanned Maps Satellite

Imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEM). The layers can be overlaid; they can be

visually and mathematically correlated or interpreted. Each map layer is used to


Page 36

display and work with a specific GIS dataset. Layers with complete coverage of the

area, such as filled polygons or a raster, are usually drawn underneath other map

layers (ESRI 2004b).

Figure 3-6 The Concept of Layers

Layers can be saved, shared and reused without sharing the entire map. When the

layer is added to another map, it will draw exactly as it was saved. Additionally, the

orders of layers in the table of contents (ArcMap) determine the drawing order of

layers. The map layers placed higher in the table of contents are drawn on top of those

that are lower, the order can be easily changed (ESRI 2004b).

A feature class represents a collection of features portraying the same geographic

elements such as parcels. They share a common set of descriptive attributes (Arctur

and Zeiler 2004).


Page 37

In the GIS and mapping component of the Nature Refuge Program the following

collection of feature classes are identified to represent the Nature Refuge boundaries.

Figure 3-7 illustrates the distribution of Nature Refuge boundaries throughout

Queensland. These feature classes will be used for analysis and provide visual

evidence on the extent and location of Nature Refuge properties for landholders,

program managers and policy makers.

Historic Nature Refuge dataset - acts as a repository for Nature Refuges which

have not progressed through to gazettal for a variety of reasons.

Gazetted Nature Refuge dataset - depicts a portion of land which may be a whole

of lot or a partial lot, with or without internal zones, which has been accepted through

the Nature Refuge Program, executed by the landholder and either the Director

General of DERM or the Minister of Environment and Resource Management to

protect areas of land with high environmental value in perpetuity.

Future Nature Refuge datasets – represents the working stage or development of

Nature Refuges these properties which are in the preparation stage for submission

into the Nature Refuge Program via the Nature Assist tenders these properties are

recognised for having particularly high environmental values.


Page 38

Figure 3-7 Nature Refuge Feature Classes (Author 2008)

Historical Nature

• , •• . ..

• .. • • ~ • , • ' .. • • , •

• It • 'I •

• • • • • • • •

• • .. , •

6 N


Page 39

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.


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



Restrictions are imposed and agreed on case by case basis.

Agricultural Zone - Land uses and land management activities conducted in the



Restrictions are imposed and agreed on a case by case basis (DERM 2008).


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


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.


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


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


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,

abstract publication date, geographic elements, geographic extent, projection

information and database elements (FGDC 1994).

Australia and New Zealand Land Information Council (ANZLIC) is the leading

agency in Australia and New Zealand for providing standards and facilitating access to

data and services within the spatial industry. As an intergovernmental organization,

ANZLIC also provides leadership in the collection, management and use of spatial

information in Australia and New Zealand. ANZLIC metadata shares similarities with

the FGDC CSDGM and International Organization of Standardisation (ISO) metadata

standards for geographic information (i.e. ISO 19115), as these two standards have

had a strong influence on the development of the ANZLIC Guidelines (ANZLIC

2001).


Page 47

Figure 3-9 Metadata Standards for Gazetted Nature Refuges

Data documentation or metadata gives the user an insight into the datasets

compilation. The Nature Refuge Branch is now the data custodians of several spatial

datasets, offering them to other organizations for data sharing purposes therefore they

have an obligation to provide up to date, accurate and efficient data. The Gazetted

and Proposed datasets were provided with the FGDC metadata standards Figure 3-9

illustrates the metadata standards for Nature Refuges gazetted up to June 2009. The

FGDC metadata standards are used in DERM by data custodians as it is embedded in

the ArcGIS software being utilised to create the data. However when publishing the

datasets as a spatial product the ANZLIC compliant fields are extracted and data is

provided to the ANZLIC standards.

3.3.5 Potential and Proposed Nature Refuge Datasets

Nature-Assist is the incentive component of Queensland’s Nature Refuge Program.

Nature-Assist provides financial assistance for landholders who actively manage the

natural and/ or cultural assets of their property. Having an accurate and up-to-date

Gazetted Nature Refuge layer available, awareness was raised of the GIS capabilities

and its benefits to the decision making process. As a direct result the need for a

Potential and Proposed NR layer arose. The Potential and Proposed datasets were

created in a spatial context using the same process and principles applied in the


Page 48

making of the Gazetted Nature Refuge layer. This in turn enabled the Nature Refuge

Branch to spatially monitor the progress and development of a Nature Refuge. The

Potential dataset reflects the first stage of tendering so as the negotiations for a

Nature Refuge progress with the development of the Conservation Agreement, the

properties advance to the second stage hence the development of the Proposed

Nature Refuge layer. The Potential layer is currently available only within the Nature

Refuge Branch and is used for decision making purposes. The Proposed layer on the

other hand is available internally within the public sector. The Proposed layer operates

as an alert mechanism and is provided to the mining sector, developers and Local

Government. It is used to detect conflict of interest in the case of multiple applications

from landowners applying for semi-government funding. The Proposed layer appears

on the DERM internal web mapping system ECOMAPS. Confidentiality issues have

been addressed by concealing attribute fields containing landowner’s details prior to

the publishing process.

In addition to the above datasets the Historic Nature Refuge spatial dataset was

created. This dataset provides an easily accessible storage to enhance future planning

and financial support for the program. The Historic dataset serves as a repository for

Nature Refuges which have not progressed through to gazettal for a variety of

reasons:

Disagreement on boundaries, zones or Conservation Agreement restrictions

Time delays

Sale of property

Ownership disputes

Tenure changes

Non acceptance into a Nature Assist tender round


Page 49

3.4 CHAPTER SUMMARY

Chapter 3 developed the first phases of the GIS gazettal framework, with each phase

positioning the Nature Refuge boundaries closer to achieving spatial quality and

integrity. Global Positioning System (GPS), mobile devices, and GIS software are the

three technologies when integrated together facilitate the collection, creation and

analysis of Nature Refuge boundaries allowing field and office based personnel such

as the Nature Refuge Officers to perform tasks in a timely manner.

In addition the chapter goes behind the “map” scene and enlightens this hidden

environment. This is a very significant part of map presentation as the map output

does not automatically portray the entire background mechanism activating it. The

various layers, databases, themes, elements, attribute and metadata are often not

thought of when viewing a “pretty” map. For this reason the second part of the

chapter focused on this very important part of the map. Cartography is an integral

part of GIS and the design of a map is a complex process (ESRI 2004a). GIS users

may be highly skilled in performing spatial analysis but if they don’t know how to

effectively communicate those results through map presentation they risk producing

dangerously misleading maps.

Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis

Page 50

4Chapter 4: Data Integrity and Analysis

“Unlike maps, the purpose of GIS is to maintain geographic data in a state(s)

that may be transformed, processed, and analysed in ways that are

geographically uniform”(Goodchild ,Wright and Proctor 1997)

This chapter investigates and examines issues such as uncertainties in topological

relations caused by spatial inaccuracies. Phases 4 and 5 of the GIS gazettal framework

are developed demonstrating the importance of taking a spatial perspective when

representing the protected area boundaries. The data collection and preparation has

been discussed in Chapter 3, the next step is to ensure the integrity of these spatial

boundaries in preparation for analysis by utilising the functionalities of the

geodatabase model. A number of spatial queries will also be presented as the chapter

then moves into spatial modelling one of the hottest research topics in the GIS circle.

The aim of Chapter 4 is to achieve the following objectives:

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

4.1 BUILDING THE GEODATABASE

The geodatabase combines the properties of objects with their behaviours. Object-

oriented data models portray the organisations own view of the real world. These data

models are therefore intuitive and simple to use. A GIS will deal with user-oriented

concepts like cadastral parcels and drainage basins in addition to system-oriented

concepts like points, lines, and polygons. The model allows the user to define

relationships between objects. The model also sets rules for maintaining the referential

integrity between objects such as topology of spatial data, spatial features and


Page 51

attributes, basic rules, administration restrictions and legal limitations. The user’s

ability to define their own object-oriented feature classes makes GIS contain human

knowledge closer to reality than before (Chen 2008).

Due to the lack of coordination between GIS personnel within DERM, geographic

data is fragmented between different administrative boundary systems. Current

technologies for analysing spatial data such as GIS cannot thus provide accurate

results. A good example of the problem would be the DCDB of Queensland and the

Nature Refuge GIS dataset, where two individual agencies have established

independent sets of boundaries. The Nature Refuge boundaries are based on the

DCDB therefore the frequent updates to the DCDB results in additional manipulation

of the Nature Refuge dataset.

Figure 4-1 depicts an example of alignment inaccuracies between the DCDB and

Nature Refuge dataset. This issue will be addressed by structuring the data into a

geodatabase and enforcing the boundaries to participate in topology. The ability to

model spatial relationships using topology is a key GIS capability (Arctur and Zeiler

2004).

Figure 4-1 Alignment Inaccuracies


Page 52

The File Geodatabase is implemented as a collection of binary files in a file system. It

has no size capacity limit. By default, each table can store up to 1 terabyte of data.

Vector data stored within the file geodatabase can optionally be compressed into a

read-only format, reducing the memory footprint and improving performance. Users

can uncompress the vector data to make it editable at any time. It is also possible to

have more than one editor in the file geodatabase at the same time, provided they are

editing in different tables, feature classes, or feature datasets (ESRI 2006). Figure 4-2

illustrates the Nature Refuge Geodatabase model designed by the author. The model

consists of elements such as feature classes, subtypes, feature datasets, topology and

relationship classes.


Page 53

Figure 4-2 The Nature Refuge Geodatabase

I »

J n

»

»

»

.rl :P ~ ! •

»

»

r----" J ~ ~' f "'

»


Page 54

4.1.1 The Geodatabase Structure

The advantages of storing feature classes within a feature dataset is that geospatial

relationships can be modelled between the feature classes, enabling more advanced

GIS analysis. To ensure data integrity and address the alignment inaccuracies between

the DCDB, Nature Refuge boundaries and DERM’s Estate boundaries, the data was

organized into feature classes/feature datasets within a file geodatabase. Topology

was introduced to manage the spatial relationships between features classes in the

feature dataset. The geodatabase supports an approach to modelling spatial objects by

incorporating their behaviour while supporting different types of key relationships

between them. A collection of rules and relationships were applied to the datasets as

this will assist to more accurately model their geometric relationships (Arctur and

Zeiler 2004).

The following geodatabase elements were used in the design of the Nature Refuge

Geodatabase as per Figure 4-2. Supplementary datasets such as the Remnant,

Regrowth Biodiversity Planning Assessments etc. were included in the geodatabase

structure at this stage to allow for future modelling of Nature Refuges and these

datasets.

Feature Classes:

State Nature Refuges Gazetted

State Nature Refuges Proposed

State Nature Refuges Potential

Historic Nature Refuges

Nature Refuges Internal Zones

DCDB

Queensland Estate boundaries

Remnant Vegetation

Regrowth Vegetation

Biodiversity Planing Assessment Areas

Local Government Administrative Boundaries (LGA’s)

Mining (Exploration Permits, Coal, Mineral, Petroleum etc.)


Page 55

Feature Datasets:

Nature Refuge Boundaries

DCDB

Regional Ecosystems

Biodiversity Planning Assessments

QLD Mining

Administrative Boundaries

Protected Areas of Queensland

Subtypes:

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


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).


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


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)


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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


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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.



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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.



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.


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.


Page 64

Figure 4-8 The Synoptic View of the Mining Query Process Model


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:


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)

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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.

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Chapter 5: Results

Page 71

Figure 5-3 Distribution of Proposed Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in the pre-gazettal stage.

+ • •• ~

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Chapter 5: Results

Page 72

Figure 5-4 Distribution of Potential Nature Refuges in Queensland - properties in thepreliminary stages of negotiations towards a gazettal.

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Chapter 5: Results

Page 73

Figure 5-5 Distribution of the Gazetted, Proposed and Potential Nature Refugeproperties in Queensland.

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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

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44165.3694 1 100 EPC 82824.24623 100 EPC 206377.0844 40.207698 EPC 4146436.222 100 EPC 175010.307 1 100 EPC 421515.3991 100 EPC

Chapter 5: Results

Page 80

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

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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.


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


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


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)


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.


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


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


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.


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.

92

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Appendices

Appendix 1: The Nature Refuge Plan Created in AutoCAD

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97

Appendix 2: Text Styles

98

Appendix 3: The GIS Folder Structure

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

Tenure and ZoningDomestic Zones, Relocatable Domestic Zones, InfrastructureZones, Relocatable Infrastructure Zones, Restoration Zones,Agricultural Zones.

Water Drainage, Water Bodies, Hydrology, Water Quality, Q100Flood levels, etc.

Workspaces MXD files relating to specific GIS maps in the project

99

Appendix 4: Standard File Naming Conventions

Filename Description

Naturerefugename_working.mxd Nature Refuge workspace

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

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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

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