'Use of Geographical Information Systems and other computer methods'

Topic Paper 4 published by the Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, September 2003

Authors: Jonathan Porter, Countryscape; Kate Ahern, Land Use Consultants

This summary sheet produced September 2006

Topic Paper 4 introduces Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other computer methods in Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), and includes examples of good practice. GIS are computer systems that facilitate the processing, storage, analysis and presentation of spatial data and are therefore particularly suited to LCA. The use of GIS in all stages of an LCA will ensure that that it remains a flexible, updatable and accessible resource.

This paper defines the basic concepts behind GIS software, and underlines the importance of selecting software that is fit for purpose and which allows for easy import and export of data, and the importance of investing in staff training to ensure that maximum benefit is made of this sophisticated resource. The paper introduces simple geographic data types which are used in a GIS (Raster, Vector and Attribute), and stresses the importance of using metadata that conforms to recognized standards to describe datasets.

When starting an LCA, it is important to scope the extent of existing digital and hard-copy data, and how much additional desk or field work is needed to create new digital datasets.

There are government sponsored web-based initiatives that can provide information about sources ofexisting GIS data, including GIgateway, a service aimed at increasing awareness of and access to geographical information in the UK, and Magic (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside), which offersrural information from a range of public-sector partner organisations.

Methods of desk and field survey study are described with reference to computer methods, including 3D visualisation for the former and the use of hand-held computers for the latter. Other computer methods described include the use of digital photography, and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to record and verify the position of viewpoints and boundaries.

The paper explores the ways GIS can be used to facilitate classification and description stages of LCA, and how LCA data can be disseminated to a wide range of stakeholders via a range of visualization and presentation media, including online interactive maps, 3D visualizations of possible developments and landscape scenarios, and traditional paper maps. The paper explains how LCA GIS can facilitate judgement-making in planning, by simplifying querying and integration with other datasets. LCA datasets can be combined with other environmental data to permit modelling the sensitivity and capacity of a landscape to and for development.

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