Availability and uses of spatial databases for research and management of Kgari-Fraser Island

Abstract

Kgari-Fraser Island is a dynamic ecosystem influenced by natural and anthropogenic processes such as forest fires, tropical cyclones, pests and recreation activities. Being a unique sandy island, the ecosystem of this world heritage area is relatively more dynamic and sensitive than other parts of the world, especially under climate-change scenarios. For monitoring and managing this dynamic ecosystem, a huge archive of spatial information in diverse forms is available from various agencies, mostly in digital form. For example, the temporal coverage of the area with images can document and monitor the changing components across multiple scales. Moreover, the modern user-friendly technological component of geographical information systems facilitates the integration of diverse spatial data sets that originate from miscellaneous sources such as remote sensing, surveying, census, digitisation and crowd-sourcing. However, since these data sets are meant for various map-scales and themes, their integration often leads to inappropriate uses. This article discusses the availability of the archive of spatial data sets for the Island, their practical application, limitations and advantages. Finally, the article provides a theoretical model for the effective, efficient and judicious selection of data sets for their subsequent utilisation to provide insights into the sensitive ecosystem for effective research and management.