Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / South Africa’s natural vegetation and soils, which are essential resources for agricultural practices, are
becoming degraded. Natural resource disturbances can also cause extensive harm to local communities
and their economies. To allow successful natural resource monitoring, there is an urgent need for
integrated GIS spatial data and development of remotely sensed indicators of key ecosystems
processes. Satellite remote sensing provides the most cost-effective and reliable tool for generating
these spatial data. The main objective of the study is, therefore, to develop and evaluate methodologies
for assessing, mapping and monitoring the condition of natural resources in southern Africa with the
aid of remote sensing and GIS. The resulting integrated spatial framework represents methodologies
for, firstly, identifying and accessing vegetation and soil parameters on a gradient from pristine to
degraded condition; secondly, identifying, assessing, processing and modelling GIS and remotesensing
spatial data to derived degradation maps, which identify rangeland condition and woody cover
classes and, thirdly, comparing two satellite remote-sensing sensors (LANDSAT ETM and MODIS)
and making statements of degradation. This approach could make an integrated spatial framework
comprehensive in its considerations of provincial degradation mapping and robust enough to be used
for monitoring on a national scale. By acquiring spatial and non-spatial data in a quantitative logically
robust but accurate manner, integrated spatial frameworks provides the structure for combining
specialized information as well as for analysis in an effective management programme. This could
guide rangeland managers in assessing, mapping and monitoring of natural resources in a scientifically
acceptable way. All of these factors emphasise the need for the development of a national rangeland
monitoring strategy and monitoring system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/2385 |
| Date | 04 1900 |
| Creators | Van der Merwe, Joseph Petrus Albertus |
| Contributors | Zietsman, H. L., University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies. |
| Publisher | Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Stellenbosch |
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