A web-based GIS as a management tool for rock art sites in the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

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 ArcIMS®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.