1.0

Created for the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning Project.

Data Origin: Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit

Capture Source: 1: 250 000 topographical maps

The protected area layer was compiled from many sources (see Lombard, A.T., Wolf, T. & Cole, N. 2003. GIS coverages and spatial analyses for the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) Project. TERU Report 42: 78 pp, Appendix 78 pp.). The most recent data (2000 - 2002) were provided by all source organisations and individuals, and the final STEP layer is as complete as is currently possible.

Three methods of compilation were used, using the data layers from the various sources. Firstly, all digital data was matched to the cadastral farm boundary layer provided by the Surveyor General (2000 and 2001). Secondly, for those polygons that matched cadastral boundaries, we extracted the boundary data from the cadastral layer, rather than the received layer (this was to ensure the highest level of accuracy for the final layer). For those polygons that did not match cadastral boundaries, we used the received data as is. Thirdly, 1:50 000 topographic maps were received for the Eastern Cape Province from Alan Southwood (DEAET), on which he had hand drawn all protected areas known to him. These maps were digitized, and the final data were extracted from cadastral boundaries again, where possible. The coastline used for the final layer was based on 1:50 000 boundaries from the Surveyor General.

In the final GIS layer, all protected areas were divided into three Types and thirty-one Classes. The type refers to the level of conservation legislation, as well as ownership (see Lombard, A.T., Wolf, T. & Cole, N., 2003). A further subdivision into classes was made. Classes refer to the authority that is responsible for the land, and the management objectives. Positional Accuracy: The accuracy of the final layer is extremely good for the polygons that match cadastral boundaries (and these all have the accompanying SG21 digit code in the attached database - see Appendix 6 of Lombard, A.T., Wolf, T. & Cole, N. 2003), but for those polygons that did not match cadastral boundaries (e.g. most of the DWAF and Safcol data) we cannot vouch for, or even estimate, their accuracy on the ground. Fortunately, 81% of the polygons in the final layer match cadastral boundaries (3940 of 4868 polygons).

Completeness: As current as possible.

Supplemental Information: Lombard, A.T., Wolf, T. & Cole, N. 2003. GIS coverages and spatial analyses for the Subtropical

Thicket Ecosystem Planning (STEP) Project. TERU Report 42: 78 pp, Appendix 78 pp.

http://zoo.upe.ac.za/step

http://cpu.uwc.ac.za

Currentness Reference: The final STEP layer is as complete as is currently possible.

The protected areas layer is not a fixed layer and will require updating. The only data sets for which complete information were not

available were: DWAF areas in the Eastern Cape Province; game farms for the Western Cape (these are areas with Certificates of

Adequate Enclosure provided by the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board), and proposed conservancies. The only data set which is entirely excluded is those areas owned by the South African military.

SANS 1878

FGDC-STD-001-1998