The application of geographic information systems and remotely sensed data to the conservation of heathland fragments

Abstract

The integration of data from field observations and remote sensing within geographic information systems (GIS) offers the potential for rapid, cost-effective surveying and assessment of biotopes of high conservation value. A case study of the Dorset heathlands in southern England illustrates the application of this approach. Information on the historical extent of the heathlands was combined with Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) data to assess the current extent of the heathlands together with the potential for adjacent other lands (formerly heathland) to be converted to heathland again. The results of this work showed that the current extent of the Dorset heathlands is about 44·3 km 2. Heathland that had been converted to grassland since 1960 was considered to be the category of land use most suitable for the restoration of heathland. It was found that 27·5% of this type of land falls within 100 m of existing heathland and, under changed management, could significantly improve the natural resource of the region. This work draws upon an existing understanding of heathland ecology and demonstrates the application of geographical information systems to the solution of ecological and conservation problems.