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Thesis (MTech (Cartography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / This case study investigates the change in the geographical boundaries by creating a Spatio-temporal mapping of Ciskei (one of the so-called Bantustans or Homelands) during the period of Apartheid. It examines the reasons for its establishment, and what impact the apartheid land legislation had on the geographical boundaries of Ciskei. GIS technology was used in this study to create time series animation and Static map to display the spatial change of the Ciskei boundaries. This investigation was split into quantitative and qualitative assessments. The aim of the quantitative assessments was to determine the amount of the spatial change of the Ciskei geographic boundary. The qualitative methods was used to investigate the map viewer’s understanding of the amount of the information in the static and animated maps. The results of qualitative assessments showed that static and animated maps have their respective advantages in the visualization of the map viewer. The importance of this research is to take advantage of time series mapping techniques to study the homeland areas in South Africa and see all the changes that have occurred as a result of a period of apartheid legislation. For this research, the following data were gathered: Attribute and metadata was the legislation and laws related to the land and the geographic data was the historical maps and coordinate data.

Orientador: Claudia Maria Bauzer Medeiros / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Computação / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-10T17:58:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pierre_MateusSilva_M.pdf: 1215967 bytes, checksum: 6e10bb54cce47309fee13b3e67907566 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: Aplicações geográficas estão cada vez mais influenciando todas nossas atividades diárias. Seu desenvolvimento exige, via de regra, trabalho em equipe de múltiplos perfis de especialistas, com diferentes visões e direitos de acesso aos dados. Em conseqüência, vários mecanismos vêm sendo propostos para controlar autorização a bancos de dados geográficos ou disponibilizar o uso de versões. Estes mecanismos, no entanto, trabalham de forma isolada, priorizando apenas o direito de acesso ou o versionamento flexível. A dissertação aborda esta questão, propondo um modelo unificado de autorização em bancos de dados que ataque os dois problemas em conjunto. O modelo trata da questão de controle de acesso em bancos de dados geográficos, levando-se em consideração a existência de mecanismos de versionamento dos dados armazenados. Este modelo pode, assim, servir como base para trabalho cooperativo e seguro em aplicações que usem Sistemas de Informação Geográficos (SIGs) / Abstract: Geographic applications are increasingly influencing our daily activities. Their development requires efforts from multiple teams of experts with different views and authorizations to access data. As a result, several mechanisms have been proposed to control authorization in geographic databases or to provide the use of versions. These mechanisms, however, work in isolation, prioritizing only either data access or versioning systems. This dissertation addresses this issue, by proposing a unified authorization model for databases that faces both problems. The model deals with the access control issue in geographic databases, taking into account the existence of data versioning mechanisms. This model may serve as the basis for cooperative and secure work in applications that use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) / Mestrado / Banco de Dados / Mestre em Ciência da Computação

M.A. / The value of RAU as educational institution can be measured by the success being achieved by its graduates in the professional world in helping to improve economical, socio-political and educational development. To monitor and manage these environmental aims sensibly, it is essential for RAU to gather enough information regarding its alumni within electronically defined magisterial districts and postal code cells on a continuous basis. This research investigates the suitability of a geographical information system (GIS) to help highly qualified alumni through healthy management and useful information by the Alumni Society to develop a higher order quality environment. It is found and demonstrated that appropriate software, for example MAPINFO coupled to geographical quantified data provides a powerful means for mapping and analysis. Incorporating population statistics, environmental problems, employer evaluation, etc. into the data base, will enhance the powerfulness of such an environment-managerial system for the RAU Alumni Society in todays highly developed technological world.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are no longer new to the Town & Regional Planning (TRP) profession and have been implemented by different municipalities worldwide. The effective use of a GIS by municipal Town & Regional Planning departments in Gauteng would accelerate planning processes and enable more complex decision-making. This would expedite more effective land development administration associated with urban growth (Masser et al, 1996, p.195). This study investigates, by means of a mail survey and telephonic follow up conversations, the extent of use of GIS by the twenty-three municipal Town & Regional Planning department offices in Gauteng. Factors that, according to literature (Longley et al, 2001, p.346), could possibly result in limited GIS use, are identified and investigated with regard to each factors significance and further investigated. This includes a specific investigation into whether a GIS is available to Town & Regional Planning department offices, either on municipal level and/or departmentally as well as an investigation into the extent and quality of the GIS training of employees in a department office. The study establishes that the extent of use of GIS by the municipal Town & Regional Planning department offices in Gauteng is limited. Further, that GIS availability as well as GIS training are significant problem factors contributing to limited GIS use (Chapter 2). The absence of a GIS at municipal level in the six municipal regions in Gauteng, as possible cause to GIS availability problems as posed by literature (Easa et al, 2000, p.26), does not significantly contribute as a cause to less GIS availability, should a department office rely on using a municipally implemented GIS. The study identifies that a municipally implemented GIS, in most cases managed centrally in a specific department, is set up conducive for use by municipal Town & Regional Planning department offices. The study specifically establishes that although a GIS and Town & Regional Planning data may be 100% available via a network, some department offices may experience GIS availability problems because of the inadequate development of an intranet to serve a wider local area, and/or the absence of an Internet GIS (Chapter 3). Further investigation into whether GIS availability problems have their origin at departmental level, as posed by literature (Easa et al, 2000, p.11), establishes that a smaller GIS has been implemented departmentally by 43% department offices themselves. Only three of the thirteen department offices, without a departmental GIS, can access a municipal implemented GIS. These findings indicate the origin and nature of GIS availability problems experienced, since 8% of department offices do not have either a municipal or departmental GIS and 35% of department offices are experiencing problems to access a municipally implemented GIS, indicating why 82% of the department offices experience GIS and data availability problems which limits GIS use (Chapter 4). An investigation into the origin and cause of specific GIS training problems, experienced by 91% of the responding department offices’ employees, establishes that GIS departmental training problems are caused by a lack of GIS knowledge and/or employees with a Town & Regional Planning qualification that does not seem to have GIS as a subject, since 82% of the department offices indicate a need for GIS short courses (Chapter 4). Research into the formal Town & Regional Planning qualification as offered by the ten accredited tertiary institutions, with regard to the incorporation of GIS as a subject, establishes that the inclusion of the subject in the curriculum is not a significant cause of GIS training problems (Longley et al, 2005, p.431). The more recent introduction of the subject GIS into the curriculum explains why some employees have a formal qualification without GIS as subject. Specific problems are identified that negatively affect the teaching of GIS as a subject and cause a need for GIS study material that is specifically tailored for Town & Regional Planners (Chapter 5). The availability of a GIS and GIS training of department office employees is interrelated in facilitating effective use of GIS by municipal Town & Regional Planning department offices in Gauteng. This study specifically establishes that where a GIS exists at municipal level, such a system has to be made accessible to department offices within. This could be achieved either through appropriate development of the current inadequate intranet and/or the Internet, or further the implementation of a smaller GIS in department offices without a GIS. In addition, short courses should be offered in GIS for employees who did not have GIS as a subject when they qualified as well as to lecturers at tertiary institutions, who are not qualified to teach GIS. The offering of these GIS short courses can be supported through the developing of GIS study material tailored for Town & Regional Planners. These interventions, if implemented, will contribute to better GIS availability in municipal Town & Regional Planning department offices in Gauteng as well as GIS training of the Town & Regional Planning profession as a whole, resulting in more effective use of GIS. / Dr. L.G.C. Scheepers

M.Sc. / The aim of the present study is to determine the influence of human activities on fluvial erosion in the Nsikazi District (Mpumalanga). Recommendations for the optimal use of available resources in the study area are made after considering the soil erosion potential of the area, and by comparing the Nsikazi District with the nearby conservation control area, the Kruger National Park (KNP). Soil erosion can be optimally prevented by employing the most suitable management practice; therefore reliable information is required concerning the location, causes and extent of soil erosion. During the present study, satellite remote sensing is evaluated as a cost effective and timely source of information to fulfill this requirement. Due to the fact that soil erosion is a natural process, which can be amplified by certain natural physical factors, it is necessary to determine the natural soil erosion potential of an area before any assumptions can be made regarding the cause of soil erosion. In this study the integration of the natural soil erosion potential map and bare soil map resulted in the establishment of the overall soil erosion potential map for the area. Landuse can be described as the most significant contributing factor in the occurrence of bare soil (devoid of vegetation), and therefore this is an indicator not only of soil degradation, but also of human impact. The data used during the present study consist of digital satellite images (Landsat TM and SPOT) and aerial photographs provided by the Institute for Soil, Climate and Water (ISCW). Additional information was also collected from pre-existing soil and topographical maps of the area. The ILWIS 2.1 computer programme was then employed for image processing and GIS analysis of the data. The study was carried out in two analytical phases. A data processing phase, which was carried out as follows: - The physical erosion factors, which determine soil erosion potential, namely soil erodibility, slope, slope length, slope form and slope aspect as well as plant cover, were converted to GIS data layers and mapped , followed by - the identification and mapping of the presence of bare soil and landuse patterns. A data intergration phase was included, whereby the above mentioned data layers were integrated to determine the natural and overall soil erosion potential, as well as the evaluation of landuse, thereby indicating the soil cultivation potential for the study area.

In water resources management in South Africa, there is an emphasis on public participation. On a river catchment basis, one of the mechanisms for such participation is the establishment of catchment forums. However, members of catchment forums, particularly those coming from poor or rural communities, cannot be expected to engage in catchment management without having been enabled to do so. This thesis considers the use of GIS in the process of enabling the Kat River Valley Catchment Forum to better participate in catchment management. The research focus is on the use of GIS to facilitate an understanding of the Kat River Catchment and associated catchment concepts, and constructive communication and sharing, among the Catchment Forum. The GIS is used in the context of "GIS for Participatory Research", an outgrowth of Public Participation GIS (PPGIS), which focuses on GIS as a tool for empowerment within participatory processes. The study has used Action Research, situated in the Critical paradigm, as a methodology. The research has included seven Forum workshop processes and one series of in-village meetings. These engagements have involved map-based appraisals, issues and resource mapping, map-based planning, and the use of on-screen GIS for presentation and sharing. The use of GIS has facilitated the creation of customised maps, the integration of village-scale mapping into a catchment scale product, the presentation of synthesised data in digital and hardcopy format and, in so doing, has allowed catchment-scale appraisal. Outcomes enabling participation in catchment management have included developed mapping skills and an enhanced understanding of the catchment as a whole, and developed conceptual access to a decision-making language (or way of thinking), among participants. Furthermore, the Forum as a whole has identified common needs, and has developed a set of map-based action plans. The research process has yielded a number of lessons regarding "GIS for participation" and the participatory framework within which it takes place. Chief among these is that the GIS operator should take on the role of a participatory practitioner.

This thesis is an interdisciplinary study based on the interplay between science, technology and society in order to inform the design of knowledge exploration systems. It provides a rationale for the integration of science knowledge, geographic information, with digital libraries to build knowledge and awareness about sustainability. A theoretical reconceptualization of knowledge building is provided that favours interactive engagement with information and argues against a traditional model of science production and communication that is linear and unidirectional. The elements of contextualization, classification and communication form the core of the reconceptualization. Since many information systems entrench the traditional model of science production, the three elements are considered in light of library and information science and geographic information science. The use of geographic information systems is examined to identify how they can be used as part of a social learning model for scientific, social, cultural, and environmental issues to further assist people in connecting to place and sustainability. Empirical data was collected from four case studies. One case study centred on the design and development of a web-based digital library called the Georgia Basin Digital Library, another two case studies focused on the use of part of this digital library with youth, senior and environmental groups in south-western British Columbia. The remaining case study observed a community deliberation to consider how knowledge exploration systems might support deliberation in future processes. The case study research confirms that collaborative research with communities is a fruitful way to engage with sustainability issues. Such collaborations require consideration of institutional arrangements, information collections, relationship building, technology transfer and capacity building. / Arts, Faculty of / Geography, Department of / Graduate

In an ever changing competitive environment, business is constantly faced with decisions. The ability to make informed decisions hinges on the organization’s power to properly integrate/position technology into the business processes of the organization. To stay in business organizations must be able to compete with rivals in their industry. The purpose of this research is to determine why the Geographic Information System (GIS) is not being utilized to its full potential. In order to determine the reason for this under utilization a literature study was undertaken with respect to GIS, how GIS is being positioned within PROPNET and what steps can be taken to improve the strategic positioning of GIS within PROPNET. A study was conducted which was limited to GIS professionals. An introduction to GIS is also given. A survey was then conducted within PROPNET. The survey covered competitive advantage, the value chain, kinds of information systems in relation to the different groups served within an organization and GIS. The results of the research survey corresponded with views expressed in the literature. Results concluded that GIS is incorrectly positioned within PROPNET for it to be competitive and that it should be repositioned within the operational level of the organization and utilized as a transaction processing system. The repositioning will lead to competitive advantage over rivals. Literature also revealed that GIS can be found in all sectors of the value chain. A strategy is proposed to reposition GIS within PROPNET. Recommendations are made to guide the repositioning. The subject field is new and there is little literature on GIS positioning and competitive advantage. There are significant advantages to repositioning GIS within PROPNET.

Wildland fires in the United States are not always confined to wilderness areas. The growth of population centers and housing developments in wilderness areas has blurred the boundaries between rural and urban. This merger of human development and natural landscape is known in the wildland fire community as the wildland urban interface or WUI, and it is within this interface that many wildland fires increasingly occur. As wildland fire intrusions in the WUI increase so too does the need for tools to assess potential impact to valuable assets contained within the interface. This study presents a methodology that combines real-time weather data, a wildland fire behavior model, satellite remote sensing and geospatial data in a geographic information system to assess potential risk to human developments and natural resources within the Austin metropolitan area and surrounding ten counties of central, Texas. The methodology uses readily available digital databases and satellite images within Texas, in combination with an industry standard fire behavior model to assist emergency and natural resource managers assess potential impacts from wildland fire. Results of the study will promote prevention of WUI fire disasters, facilitate watershed and habitat protection, and help direct efforts in post wildland fire mitigation and restoration.