COLLECTION
Chapter 4 Chapter 4 - Case Study Background
4.1) Introduction
The conceptual framework within which an environmental geomaticist could operate has already been established (see Chapters Two and Three). This was achieved by examining the role which a surveyor has traditionally played in society, and then illustrating why there was a need for the traditional surveyor to change. Having identified this need for change, I then developed a professional profile for a modern surveyor, or what I termed a geomaticist. A further specialization afthis concept was then developed, and the conceptual framework for an environmental geomaticist was established. Having thus built up the theoretical background in which an environmental geomaticist could function, I argue that it is necessary to test this theory against a practical situation, in order to test its validity.
In order to test the theory put forward in Chapters Two and Three, I became involved in an environmental team, fulfilling the role of an environmental geomaticist. [n this chapter, I will examine the need for the case study which I undertook, following which, I will provide a brief outline of the case study area, and the research which has been carried out there to date. TIlis is done to illustrate the need which the environmental project team operating in that region has for someone with the skills of an environmental geomaticist. In this manner, Chapter 4 will serve as a link between the theoretical aspects of the thesis, discussed in Chapters Two and Three, and the more technical aspects which will follow
in Chapter Five.
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Chapter 4 Case Study Background 4.2) The Need for a Case Study
I have already reviewed Chen and McLaughlin 's argument (see Chapter Two) that there are three phases of change which could be identified within the environment of surveying and mapping (1992: 257). TIle first phase involved the use of analog instruments and expertise in positioning, map design and accuracy analysis, and I argued that the traditional land surveyor fell into this category. The second phase was described as a Spatial Infonnation Engineering environment. and was characterized by the use of digital image tecimology, user needs analysis and infornlation management. The third phase, known as the Spatial Decision Support environment, was based on decision support systems, built on a spatial information infrastnlcture, with core expertise in the areas of system analysis and decision support (Chen and McLaughlin: 1992: 257).
J argue that a geomaticist, as I have defmed above (see Chapters Two and Three) would fall into the categories defined by the second and third phases of Ch en and McLaughlin's model. That is, the work ofa geomaticist would be characterized by the useofdigital image technology, analyzing user needs and providing a spatial information infrastructure, within which management decisions could be made.
Following a review of geomatics, and the subsequent definition of a geomaticist as one who is involved in the acquisition and management of spatial data, I defmed, a further specialization, namely, an environmental geomaticist. By means of Figure 3, I illustrated what function an environmental geomaticist would have within society, and highlighted the necessity of him teamworking with experts from other disciplines (see Chapter Three).
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Chapter 4 Case Study BackgrOtmd Having therefore linked the various sub-themes which emerged from the definitions ofgeomatics, tothe functions defmed in the Geomatics Business Model (Gagnon et ClI: 1993), and incorporated these into the conceptual framework used to defme an environmental geomaticist, I argue that a case study is necessary in order to investigate, whether or not, in the course ofa spatial analysis project, different tasks can be categorized as falling under the functions of Collection, Treatment, Representation/Dissemination and Management, and whether or not the services of an environmental geomaticist are needed within the project team.
It is my intention to achieve this investigation by undertaking a case study which involves research and scientific study within an area situated in eastern Botswana, and bordering both South Africa and Zimbabwe. lllUs the tasks of an environmental geomaticist operating within the category Natural Ecosystems: Conservation: Total Conservation, as defmed by Figure 3, will be investigated. In the following section, I will detail the history of the research carried out to date in the case study area, as well as give details as to why the environmental project team requires the services of someone with the skills of an environmental geomaticist. Note that the purpose of this chapter is solely to provide background to the case study area. The issues of teamworking. as well as the other sub-themes of acquisition, storage, analysis, distribution, application and management of spatial data, will be addressed at a later stage (see Chapter Six), once the technical aspects of the case study have been fulfilled.
4.3) Background to the Case Study
The area in which the case study was undertaken, is known as the Tuli Block, and is situated in the region where the South African, Zimbabwean and Botswanan borders meet. The area is a unique
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Chapter 4 Case Study Background wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone cliffs (www.african travel.com: 1999). A locality plan (see Figure 6) shows the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, which forms the core area of the case study, in relation to the rest of Southern Africa. The core area at a larger scale
is also shown (see Figure 7).
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2U~Figure 6 Location Map of Northem Tuli Game Reserve (www.reforg.zaltu\ilindex.html: \999)