Press Release - July 28 2004

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) recently implemented a new zoning framework designed to protect biodiversity resources. To assist implementation of the zones, Spatial Vision was engaged to produce public signage and web-based interactive mapping.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park extends for nearly 2,000 km along Australia’s north-eastern coast and includes 2,900 reefs. Previously only 4.5% of the Marine Park was fully protected as no-take zones. To better protect the biodiversity of this unique area, GBRMPA developed the Representative Area Programme (RAP) to provide a comprehensive network of marine protected areas. Through this program it was recognised that the previous zoning did not adequately protect the range of plants and animals and should be revised.

GBRMPA undertook comprehensive public consultation and an extensive awareness campaign to inform people regarding the implementation of the new zones. Spatial Vision was contracted to prepare artwork for 41 different kinds of boat ramp signage. The signs included maps, interpretive text and symbology on the activities and restrictions relative to each specific management zone. The maps were generated in ArcGIS and exported to a desktop publication tool to integrate with the other material.

David Lowe, the GBRMPA Project Manager was delighted with the quality of the signage work. David said that the challenge of creating a set of signs highlighting planning and policy decisions that considered fluid at the commencement of this project and the rapid deployment of the maps into the final signs was a major achievement.

The interactive web mapping facility, also developed by Spatial Vision, is available to the public so they can enquire on management zones and generate a report showing the coordinates of the zone boundaries. Spatial Vision developed the web mapping tool with ESRI’s ArcIMS using a customised HTML client plus a Java servlet to generate the PDF map report. David Lowe said that "the site is looking really good and the reports look great!" The “Deep Blue” mapping tool can be found on GBRMPA’s website: www.gbrmpa.gov.au under the section on new zones.

Copyright © Spatial Vision, Thursday, 29-July-2004