Selected Projects

Carbon Farming Initiative: Savanna Vegetation Mapping

The Carbon Farming Initiative ‘Emissions Abatement through Savanna Fire Management Methodology’ is part of the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan. GeoView was engaged to generate vegetation fuel type maps for numerous large properties across Queensland and The Northern Territory. The mapping is a critical input parameter to the Savanna Burning Abatement Tool (SavBAT2) which estimates the amount of Carbon Credits that can be issued by the Clean Energy Regulator.

Vegetation mapping was based on spectral analysis of LandSAT 8 Satellite imagery and extensive Field Survey data together with supplementary 'baseline' vegetation and geological mapping. Final Vegetation classifications were verified to a minimum of 80% accuracy.

Deliverable's included SavBAT2 vegetation maps, carbon abatement reports, spatial statistics, error-matrix tables, GIS layers and google earth .kml files. GeoView coordinated closely with the project team in locations around Australia and technicians in Barcelona Spain. GeoView developed technical procedures, project documentation, coordinated the technical team and had a lead role in compliance and audit reviews from the Regulator.

Enterprise GIS & Mobile Data Capture

GeoView designed, developed and implemented an enterprise GIS for a team of around 20 ecologists and project managers at this SE Queensland based company. The system comprises hand held GPS units fully customised for remote data collection, field laptops for on-site data review and editing, a dedicated GIS Server and SQL database, and a range of custom reporting tools and automation procedures.

GeoView utilised leading technology to develop this innovative solution targeted to NewGround’s specific business needs. Training programs and documentation was provided to system users. Outcomes have been major efficiencies in all aspects of the business operations, from field collection, data review and editing to report production and data management.

QLD Biodiversity Hotspots Analysis

The objective of this project was to identify properties across selected BioRegions in Queensland that had a particular set of biodiversity and carbon sequestration attributes. Two specifically developed input Raster layers developed by the Queensland Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation were analysed to provide a range of information. GeoView worked closely with the Principal Ecologist to derive statistics for over 43,000 individual lots with areas greater than 100Ha.

1) Forest Productivity Index (FPI) scores were derived for each lot. FPI is a measure of forest growth potential. This involved applying equations to raster inputs that analysed relationships between the individual Lot and the overall BioRegion to rank the lots forest cover values. 2) The carbon potential area was measured for each lot by calculating the area of particular raster classes within each lot. 3) An Overall biodiversity index score was derived for each lot. The biodiversity score incorporates both EVNT taxa / communities as well as adjacency to remnant vegetation

Additional Spatial analysis calculated minimum distances to Biodiversity Planning Assessment (BPA) Corridors. Remnant Vegetation and QLD Protected Lands Estates. Ancillary information such as the Lot Tenure, Lot Area, Local Government Area were also collated.

Threatened Species Habitat Modelling, Townsville North Queensland

This project modeled the impacts of a major urban expansion development on the habitat of the Endangered Black-throated Finch. The assessment area in central Townsville included a 3km buffer around the site with a total analysis area of about 3000 Ha.

Working with the Principal Ecologist GeoView developed models of High and Low probability Black-throated Finch Habitat using a range of ecological input variables. These models were then intersected with numerous subdivision layouts and staging plans for the subject site as well as surrounding existing and approved developments.

The outputs were a series of Habitat Model maps that identified the location of Habitat and the potential impacts from future development. A range of accompanying spatial statistics quantified the impacts by Development Precinct and Stage.

Constraints Analysis and Concept Design – Community Title Subdivision

GeoView worked closely with the principal town planner to evaluate development constraints and the development potential for this rural property in Byron Shire.

A range of information including high resolution aerial photography & LiDAR was acquired and numerous spatial analyses undertaken. A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) was developed and slope analysis and visual impact analysis performed.

Developable areas were identified, defined and quantified. Subsequently a layout was designed for an 11 lot community title subdivision with shared infrastructure and common gardens. GeoView delivered numerous mapping products and statistical information for planning reports as well as servicing a range of ancillary consultants such as engineers and surveyors with spatial data and technical support..

Tuckean Swamp – Sea Level Inundation modelling

Tuckean Swamp near Broadwater in Far Northern New South Wales is a locality characterised by low lying agricultural properties surrounding the the Tuckean Swamp Nature Reserve. In this project LiDAR data was acquired and a highly accurate Digital Elevation Model (DTM) developed over an area of about 21,400 Ha.

Various sea-level scenarios were modeled to see inundation impacts on the farmlands and the Nature Reserve. A Landowner database was developed and Inundation impacts at different sea-level rise benchmarks were quantified by property owner. The effectiveness of channel barrage mitigation measures was also modeled & Acid Sulfate Soils mapping was integrated. Outputs were a series of 1:25,000 maps and spatial statistics tables.

GeoView provided a range of GIS and mapping services to support multiple ecological surveys and management reports for this 47km highway upgrade on the Central Coast of NSW. Field surveys for Frogs, Road Kill, Micro-bats, Koalas & Hollow-bearing Trees were conducted at various temporal intervals.

GeoView developed field maps and provided GPS technical support and integration. Extensive field data was consolidated and integrated with ancillary vegetation and threatened species information in a centralised database. Numerous spatial calculations were performed to provide a range of statistical data.

Multiple map series were developed to support a number of reports including: Giant Barred Frog Management Strategy, Green-thighed Frog Management Strategy, Koala Management Strategy and Microbat Management Strategy. Numerous GIS datasets were provided to the proponent (NSW Roads and Maritime Services) in accordance with specific data requirements.

In October 2010 the government of Palau declared a new 629,000 sqm National Marine Mammal Sanctuary contributing to the conservation of the Micronesia region. Over a number of years since, Whales Alive has been engaged identifying Cetacean populations and researching the impacts of natural and anthropogenic threats in the coastal waters off Palau.

GeoView worked extensively with Whales Alive developing field survey designs for ship-based visual and acoustic line transect surveys, as well as helicopter and small plane transect surveys. GeoView has produced a range of field maps and survey support material including an array of spatial calculations. Additionally GeoView has provided input data for field GPS devices, processed GPS field data, developed a survey database and generated a range of cartographic products.

The Galilee Coal Project comprises a new coal mine and a 460km Railway connecting the mine to coal terminal facilities in the Abbot Point State Development Area.

GeoView developed and implemented a spatial data management plan within Waratah Coal and sourced a range of data from a diverse range of sources, created metadata records and a centralized geo-database. A wide range of spatial analysis and modelling tasks covering all aspects of the Mine site as well as the proposed railway line was undertaken.

To date over 250 maps have been created for a range of reports, including the Environmental Impact Statement,  and numerous compliance requirements. GeoView coordinated spatial data and GIS services between about 20 consultancy organisations as well at statutory authorities.

GeoView under contract from SFA worked closely with Planning NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife, the Lord Howe Island Board, and the local community to bring together all available spatial information relevant for the future planning of this island. Data was assessed, standardised and metadata records created. A number of layers were ground-truthed and additional data captured.

GIS modelling was undertaken to determine the impact of different development scenarios on key environmental and social variables. These results provided fundamental information for the Regional Environmental Plan review. A comprehensive set of planning maps were developed and various spatial analyses performed.

GeoView was contracted to undertake a constraints mapping exercise to assist Balance Resources determine the best route for a proposed railway near Emerald in Central Queensland. An extensive list of data layers was researched, sourced, formatted and consolidated to create a comprehensive GIS database. All data was recorded with associated metadata in a customised data inventory.

GeoView created interactive maps that allowed the management team to turn individual layers off and on to assess constraints on the proposed railway route options. All mapping layers were integrated into Google Earth to facilitate a sharing of information between decision makers and ancillary consultants.

GeoView provided a range of GIS services for this 500,000 Hectare Central Queensland Native Title Claim. This project involved interpreting historical maps, digitising paper based records, researching statutory databases and gathering information from a range of stakeholders.

A geo-database of archaeological and historical sites was developed consolidating a range of disparate GPS data-sets. Outputs included defining and creating the Claim Boundary, producing large format posters for use in community consultation and production of a range of mapping products for use in application and compliance reports.

GeoView developed a custom GPS data capture solution that was utilised to undertake multiple ecological surveys, vegetation mapping and environmental monitoring over several years for this 41km highway upgrade on the mid-north coast of NSW.

A database of survey results was established and a range of GIS processes have been performed. These include Threatened Species Impact analysis, Endangered Ecological Community mapping, Utility Conflict mapping and Wetland mapping. Multiple map series have been created to present survey and analysis results for a range of ecologically significant flora and fauna species.

In this project a team of ecologists and environmental engineers assessed the health and management of this highly urbanised catchment in South Eastern Queensland.

GeoView provided base maps for field surveys,  collated, processed and manipulated GPS field data and compiled a range of data layers relating to all aspects of the project. Information collected from desktop analysis and field surveys was integrated and used for a number of spatial analysis tasks including habitat assessments, foreshore stability calculations, weed density and water quality assessments. A range of cartographic and data products were produced for use in the Catchment Management Strategy report.

Bio-Solids Disposal to Agricultural Land

Sydney Environmental Soil Laboratory (SESL)

SESL, a leading Sydney based soil testing laboratory, engaged GeoView to identify and define areas on NSW Central Tablelands agricultural properties that were suitable for disposing effluent waste bio-solids.

GeoView researched, sourced and compiled a range of data including groundwater bores, threatened species records and soil sampling logs from statutory authorities and stakeholders. A detailed DTM (digital terrain model) was built for subject properties utilizing field GPS records and slope analysis performed. A complex array of regulations was modeled considering a range of variables including buffer distances, slope classification and landscape characteristics. Outputs were tabulated calculations of disposal quantities with associated map series defining the acceptable disposal areas.

The Styx Coal project near Mackay on the Queensland Central Coast comprises a small scale open cut mine, coal processing and rail infrastructure. Sedgman Yeats Consulting was engaged by Queensland Nickel to undertake an environmental and engineering baseline assessment.

GeoView assisted this project with data management services consolidating previously disparate data-sets in a myriad of formats into a standardised geodatabase with associated metadata records.

GeoView produced numerous mapping products that have been used in a range of management plans, reports and compliance documents.

Flora and Fauna Assessment, Monitoring & Impact Mitigation: Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade

GeoView provided a range of GIS services to support ecological survey, monitoring and offset planting for this 17km dual carriageway highway upgrade on the Far North Coast of NSW.

Flora surveys identified Threatened (TSC/EPBC Acts) and Nationally Rare (ROTAP) Flora species in the Project Area. Mitigation measures included Translocating over 90 plants and establishing around 400 experimental seed plantings. GIS was utilised to define the Translocation Areas, map the location of transplanted individuals, and manage ongoing monitoring.

Fauna surveys results were combined with supplementary sources to create a comprehensive Threatened Fauna GIS database. A Fauna Management Plan was subsequently developed and implemented, including the placement and monitoring of 75 nest boxes for a range of impacted species including Bats, Owls, Kookaburra, Pardalote, Parrots and Possums. GeoView developed 1:5000 field maps series and managed ongoing nest box monitoring data.