What is GIS?
The T.E.R:R.A.I.N. Geographic Information System displays interactive maps for each of the participating community groups. Each group has information on its own projects, and has designed maps to enable viewers to see the conservation action.
What is GIS?
The data is arranged in overlaying image layers. An aerial photo is overlaid with the map of features such as rivers, subsequent layers showing the location other information – such as tracks, trap-lines or project sites.
Viewers may select which layers of information which they wish to see and also search for particular features.
See a full explanation of GIS at the ESRI website
To use GIS on your personal computer or Mac:
T.E.R:R.A.I.N. uses open source software GeoServer to allow users share and edit geospatial data. Visit the GeoServer website http://geoserver.org/display/GEOS/What+is+Geoserver The system is very flexible, allowing integration by displaying data on any of the popular mapping applications such as Google Maps, Google Earth, Yahoo Maps, and Microsoft Virtual Earth. In addition, GeoServer can connect with traditional GIS architectures such as ESRI ArcGIS.
The maps are published on the web using OpenLayers, also open source software.
Kete – the digital library
Some groups have extensive libraries of digital images and documents, and store these in an on-line Kete (basket). If the resource is related to a geographic location, then T.E.R:R.A.I.N. provides two-way access between the GIS and Kete.
Each regional Library has recently set up a Kete under the “Aotearoa Peoples’ Network”. Each community group may apply to enter information to a personal basket, and encourage members of the public to contribute to the resources. http://ketenewplymouth.peoplesnetworknz.info/
Presentation to the National Digital Forum
This slideshow explains the rationale for TERRAIN, and shows the linkages between community groups, archives and mapping programs.
Pukekura Park - Mapping and Archive interact
The inventory of plants in Pukekura Park is linked to the digital archive - Kete Pukekura