The Systematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) as a tool in assessing the ecological impact of a rural development programme in an extensive area of the Lowveld of South Africa

Abstract

Land use cover and the current ecological condition of the natural resources of a 71,300 ha area were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The Systematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) was used to achieve the above within severe time constraints set by the terms of reference for the project. North–south grid lines, spaced 1 and 2 km apart, were flown using a helicopter. Changes in land use classes along flight transects were documented using a Global Positioning System. The co‐ordinates were transformed within a Geographic Information System into land cover values. The SRF with sampling intensities ranging from 5.13 to 9.89% yielded a difference of only 0.2% between the estimated cover of sugar cane compared to the known area under sugar cane. The other land cover classes were considered adequately quantified. The qualitative assessment shows the natural resources to be under severe strain, in particular within the riparian zone. Recommendations as to future agricultural expansion are made. The SRF was highly cost‐effective in achieving the stated objectives of the project.