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D.R. Green and S.T. Ray
Solutions and Recommendations
As discussed at the outset of this chapter, researchers usually have two choices open to
them when using GIS for an environmental application. In an ideal world, and given
sufficient funding and manpower resources, a study such as the one outlined above
would start from scratch to ensure that the right datasets were available for the right job.
Unfortunately, it is not an ideal world, and more often than not existing datasets are
often utilised (and sometimes blindly) because of the cost and time involved in starting
afresh. This is perfectly acceptable providing the uses that the data are put to are limited
to e.g. visualisation or very simple analyses. The researcher must be aware of the
pitfalls, and the end-user aware of the quality of the datasets used to derive the output.
Clearly where information is available about the component datasets then it is possible
to utilise them more fully knowing that they were collected at a certain scale, and using
a known sampling strategy. At the end of such an analysis it is then possible to provide
a measure of support or level of confidence for the end-user e.g. in the form of an error
report that is meaningful to the end-user. Any decisions then made using the analysis
can utilise the report e.g. placement of the AR is accurate to within +-100m as a
measure of certainty. Where datasets are unaccompanied by detailed information then
the researcher should proceed with care, using only the datasets that can legitimately be
used, and where analysis is undertaken that some doubt be expressed about the results
derived from the analysis. Where component datasets are accompanied by relatively
little information, the message is that the researcher should exercise a measure of, if not
considerable caution concerning the quality of the results of the analysis.
Table 4 is intended as a set of guidelines for individuals wishing to pursue
similar environmental projects to the artificial reef siting example, providing some
solutions and recommendations. In effect it aims to be a practical reference for
researchers, indicating the stages that might be considered when planning or
undertaking a project.
Summary and Conclusions
Growing interest in the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has led to more
and more applications being undertaken. All too frequently, however, the applications
of such technology by non-GIS specialists ignore the recognised problems associated
with geographical datasets.
D.R. Green and S.T. Ray
Solutions and Recommendations
As discussed at the outset of this chapter, researchers usually have two choices open to
them when using GIS for an environmental application. In an ideal world, and given
sufficient funding and manpower resources, a study such as the one outlined above
would start from scratch to ensure that the right datasets were available for the right job.
Unfortunately, it is not an ideal world, and more often than not existing datasets are
often utilised (and sometimes blindly) because of the cost and time involved in starting
afresh. This is perfectly acceptable providing the uses that the data are put to are limited
to e.g. visualisation or very simple analyses. The researcher must be aware of the
pitfalls, and the end-user aware of the quality of the datasets used to derive the output.
Clearly where information is available about the component datasets then it is possible
to utilise them more fully knowing that they were collected at a certain scale, and using
a known sampling strategy. At the end of such an analysis it is then possible to provide
a measure of support or level of confidence for the end-user e.g. in the form of an error
report that is meaningful to the end-user. Any decisions then made using the analysis
can utilise the report e.g. placement of the AR is accurate to within +-100m as a
measure of certainty. Where datasets are unaccompanied by detailed information then
the researcher should proceed with care, using only the datasets that can legitimately be
used, and where analysis is undertaken that some doubt be expressed about the results
derived from the analysis. Where component datasets are accompanied by relatively
little information, the message is that the researcher should exercise a measure of, if not
considerable caution concerning the quality of the results of the analysis.
Table 4 is intended as a set of guidelines for individuals wishing to pursue
similar environmental projects to the artificial reef siting example, providing some
solutions and recommendations. In effect it aims to be a practical reference for
researchers, indicating the stages that might be considered when planning or
undertaking a project.
Summary and Conclusions
Growing interest in the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) has led to more
and more applications being undertaken. All too frequently, however, the applications
of such technology by non-GIS specialists ignore the recognised problems associated
with geographical datasets.