List of all metadata reports |  This report's TOC |  Previous Page |  Next Page

System Title

5.7 Landform Classification for PNA Programme
Keywords Eastern Southern Alps; Landforms; Landform Classification; Protected Natural Area Surveys.
Description The landforms of the eastern Southern Alps are divided into macro-, meso- and component landforms on the basis of landscape position, form and genesis. Eight macro landforms are recognised: 5 on slopes and associated crests and three in valley floors. Each of these is divided into meso landforms and component landforms. To these may be added descriptors that describe landform genesis, geometry or other ecologically important features of the landform. The 150 terms used in the classification are defined.
Original Purpose To ensure that the level of detail in landform descriptions is consistent between different Protected Natural Area Programme surveys. This is to provide a better basis for identifying recommended areas for protection by systematically addressing landforms as well as ecological values. In addition the designers sought to devise a system that would be easily used, consistent and preferably able to be computer manipulated.;
Status The system was developed in 1992.
Organisation Department of Conservation
Jurisdiction New Zealand
Contact person/position Ian Whitehouse
Scientist
Address Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research
Box 40
Lincoln
Christchurch
Phone +64 3 325 6700
Facsimile +64 3 325 2127
Email whitehousei@landcare.cri.nz
Available format Published report
Access Freely available
Geographical coverage Eastern Southern Alps

 

Operational Specifications

  
Scale of Operation For PNA surveys: land systems that can be delineated on a 1: 250 000 map.
GIS Compatibility Depends on accurate location information.
Relationship between levels in the classification system There is a hierarchical relationship between the 4 levels (macro landforms/meso landforms/component landforms/descriptors)
Contributing databases/ classification systems N/A
Contributing database GIS compatibility N/A
Relationship with other classification systems and spatial frameworks. The system is designed for use in PNA Programme surveys which use Ecological Classification for the PNA Programme.
Relationship with other databases Some sites may be included in the Geopresentation Inventory Database which is managed by the N.Z Geological Society.

 

Current and emerging use for:

  
Assisting with determining historic state/ baseline N/A
Assisting with determining current state/ baseline This system describes the range of current landforms.
Asssisting with scenario building and modelling of possible futures N/A
Risk Assesment N/A
Monitoring site selection and sample design Where relevant the system could be used to stratify landscapes for sampling purposes on the basis of their landforms.
Aggregating and reporting data locally, regionally and/or nationally Where relevant the system could be used to stratify landscapes for reporting purposes at a local or regional level.

Current use (who,level,why)

The primary purpose of the system is to improve the operation of the PNA Programme administered by the Department of Conservation

User friendliness/public and decision maker understanding

Some terms are difficult for nonspecialists. A detailed glossary is provided as part of the methodology.

System strengths

Current limitations of framework

References

Whitehouse, I.E.; Basher,L.R.; Tonkins,P.J. 1992. A landform classification for PNA survey in eastern Southern Alps. Science and Research Series No 44. Department of Conservation: Wellington. 41p.