A web-based GIS as a management tool for rock art sites in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Loading...
Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The importance of managing and conserving cultural heritage can not be overemphasised.
It is this realisation that has prompted the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to declare identified sites of cultural importance as
World Heritage Sites. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP) was declared such a
site in 2000, with its natural properties and cultural heritage as the criteria for inscription.
The cultural heritage centres on the vast quantity of rock art that is renowned for its
quality and diversity of subject. It is an important consideration for future generations to
have the opportunity to view and understand this rich history and culture. There are
increasing human and natural impacts on this non-renewable resource and to minimise
these impacts and thus ensure the longevity of the resource it is necessary to develop a
multi faceted selection of management and conservation tools. This realisation led the
Programme of Geornatics, University of KwaZulu-Natal to conceptualise a project to
develop a web-based Geographical Information System (GIS) specifically aimed at
assisting in the management and conservation of rock art sites for the Valley of Pools in
the Cathedral Peak Conservation Area of the UDP. Data for the project was captured in
the field using Global Positioning System (GPS), digital camera and video camera as well
as conventional hardcopy documentation. Existing digital spatial data and descriptive data
were also collected from relevant stakeholders and a commercial organization. A pilot
spatial database was then developed using ArcGIS@9 and Microsoft Access@, and later
tested using a set of integrated simulated queries reflective of routine questions that users
may request. Upon obtaining satisfactory responses to the queries, the integrated database
was migrated and authored in ArcIMSĀ®9 where it was further tested, and subsequently
access was given to selected external professionals, both nationally and internationally,
from various backgrounds, for evaluation purposes. Feedback from this process was
favourably obtained.
Description
Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.
Keywords
Rock paintings--KwaZulu-Natal--Ukhahlamba--Drakensberg Park--Documentation., Rock art--KwaZulu-Natal., Petroglyphs--KwaZulu-Natal--Ukhahlamba--Drakensberg area--Documentation., Geographic information systems., Spatial data systems., Digital mapping., Theses--Environmental science.