Management applications using the Mackenzie PNA database

PNA surveys produce an immense quantity of ecological information. To be of use, after the initial recommendation of priority areas for protection, this information must be organised into easily accessible databases.

Geographic information systems (GIS) merge computer database and mapping technology to provide a powerful resource management tool. Vegetation, fauna, geomorphic, edaphic and other ecological data collected during the MacKenzie PNA survey has been integrated into a micro-computer GIS System. Spatial location or geographic distribution of the data may be classified by ecological attribute (e.g. vegetation type) or analysed by combinations of ecological attributes (e.g. vegetation type by landform). Results may be mapped in two or three dimensions. This gives managers easy access to PNA information with powerful analytical capabilities.