Mapping one island to another! |29 May 2021
Cosmoledo Wizard island airstrip and vegetation
Geographic information systems is a computerised system designed to capture, analyse, manage and display geographically referenced information.
A perfect example of geographic information systems (GIS) is making informed decisions based on visual interpretation of data, often represented on a map. The centre for GIS within the lands department with the Ministry of Lands and Housing is mandated and responsible to provide geospatial services in the country.
Recently, Dave Roseline, a GIS officer, collaborated with the Islands Development Company (IDC) in a data collection exercise in the Cosmoledo Atoll, specifically on Menai and Wizard islands. The purpose of the exercise was to gather accurate and georeferenced data to assist IDC to demarcate the location for a proposed airstrip for the atoll. For two weeks, Mr Roseline accompanied by IDC surveyor, environment and wildlife officers, collected crucial information pertaining to the project to ensure that any development would be environmentally sustainable.
“My role was to demarcate where the centre-line of the airstrip would be. In addition to that, capture all existing vegetation found in the path of the proposed airstrip, dominant vegetation type, their density, and the various species in the area. For example, there were all types of lizards different from what we see on the main island of Mahé, small snails and different coloured birds,” Mr Roseline explained very meticulously.
He also added that the purpose of this data collection exercise was to provide an accurate and concise report of the area which will be handed over to the department of environment for further evaluation through an environment impact assessment.
“It is important to collect georeferenced data across our islands to understand relationships between features when planning any project. Mapping the spatial location of features is crucial for decision-making as well as for the visualisation of data in a spatial environment. The only challenge is when it comes to the characteristics of the place. For example, Wizard island was easy to navigate as the island is not dense or elevated, compared to Menai island being one with a lot of wetlands, corals popping out and it has more trees,” asserted Mr Roseline.
Mr Roseline expressed that he has also been to Astove and Assomption islands as well as flew over Aldabra atoll when undertaking such mapping exercises. He noted that it is one part of his job he loves more and described the experience as amazing being able to support some elements of decision-making.
“Accurate data is crucial in this field. I am happy and privileged to be able to have gone to these islands and ensure that coordinates captured are recorded accurately, which will ensure that a plane can safely land or take off from our islands. Just one mistake in the data calculations can be very dangerous and can create major issues given we are dealing with aviation security. Therefore, a high level of concentration is crucial,” concluded Mr Roseline.
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