Visualising Ballarat
- Authors: Thompson, Helen , Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 1850-
- Type: Text , Technical report
- Full Text: false
- Description: Visualising Ballarat is an ongoing project, currently in the early stages of development. It employs a collaborative research approach for developing state-of-the-art knowledge management and planning tools which will empower various community sectors to understand the urban landscape, recognise cultural significance, and assess and monitor change. It proposes a staged approach to a long-term research project that will result in web-based spatial information systems, which include 3-dimensional and 4-dimensional visualisations together with augmented reality experiences of past, present and future Ballarat city landscapes. In September 2013, Ballarat was the first Australian city to join an international pilot program to implement UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL). This recognises the role that urban heritage plays as a social, cultural and economic asset in the development of cities. The HUL program vision is to help Ballarat grow without compromising its heritage; by providing a road map on how to address change without losing Ballarat’s character. At the core of the HUL approach are the community's values, which are the starting point for city management. Hence, there is a need to map these values effectively and have all of Council referencing them as a starting point to city development. It is envisaged that Visualising Ballarat will have a much broader appeal than HUL, extending through a full range of uses - from the utilitarian, such as locating old mine workings and landfill sites - to the esoteric, such as immersive augmented reality experiences of historical places or events. The key component is to provide the community, practitioners, researchers and industry with place-based information on demand, and hence encourage a deeper understanding, consideration and appreciation of the city's historic urban landscape values. Federation University Australia's eresearch and digital innovation capability is being utilised to federate HUL information, data and databases to facilitate access to historic urban landscape information. The developing web-based portal will provide easy access to authoritative and credible heritage information for city managers, developers, planners, researchers, communities of interest, groups and agencies wishing to engage in HUL program activities. It will promote the sharing of knowledge and information, allowing people to gain insights, present ideas, advice and information in a friendly and easy-to-use format, available at people’s convenience. It allows the City of Ballarat citizens to grow their knowledge and share their thoughts and enthusiasm for their city's historic urban landscape. In that sense, the website is deliberately aimed in part at supporting ratepayers, citizens and community groups to feel connected and supported in their heritage interests. The longer-term intention is to encourage the generation of research ideas and projects with other collaborators, locally to globally. This discussion paper outlines a collaborative approach which can be regarded as a blueprint for research that will assist the City of Ballarat and Federation University Australia in achieving their shared goals. The proposed research is founded on the 144-year old relationship between the organisations that has resulted in a substantial repository of regional knowledge. Online liberation of this information, together with that held in the other knowledge repositories of long-standing Ballarat institutions, has the potential to provide new insights into the urban landscapes of this historic city. This visualisation, which is stage 1 of the Historic Urban Landscapes Project, starts the process of bringing together community activities, research and data from government, academics and other sources. It includes: A mapping interface that brings together historic and new data about Ballarat's history and landscape Connections to research on Ballarat's history and landscape and the Historic Urban Landscape approach to managing Ballarat A place for researchers to have an internet 'home' for their projects Connections to existing community activities on Ballarat's heritage and landscape Links into the international 'historic urban landscape' community. This is done through the collection and mapping of data which includes historic landscape imagery, heritage places, parks and gardens, natural landscape and character areas, geological features, community infrastructure and a range of regulatory planning tools and administrative boundaries. This visualisation is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation(CeRDI) at Federation University Australia (FedUni).
Salinity on the southeastern Dundas Tableland, Victoria
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , MacEwan, Richard , Nathan, Erica , Morand, Vincent J
- Date: 2000
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Earth Sciences Vol. 47, no. 1 (2000), p. 3-11
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Historical evidence of early salinity, vegetation and landuse changes, and pedological studies have been used in formulating a new model for salinity processes acting on the Dundas Tableland in southwestern Victoria. Contrary to previous assumptions, salinity in this area was a feature of the pre-European landscape and was noted in the earliest surveys and journals. Analysis of historical records show an initial post-settlement increase in the tree numbers, followed by a rapid decline much later than previously assumed. Accumulation of salts in the regolith may be attributed to marine incursions during the Miocene and Pliocene, the extensive weathering to develop a deep regolith, and wind-blown and cyclic salt accumulation. A trend analysis of historical streamflow and bore hydrograph records does not indicate rising groundwater levels. The pedological features of duplex and sodic soil profiles support a history of prolonged seasonal waterlogging. A model with seasonal lateral flow of water through the upper regolith can better account for the spread of salinity than the rising groundwater hypothesis. By control of waterlogging, land managers could improve soil structure, enhance root growth and soil water use, as well as inhibit the spread of salinity.
Implementing the AGS landslide risk management guidelines in a municipal planning scheme : A case study in the Colac Otway Shire, Victoria
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Miner, Anthony
- Date: 2002
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Geomechanics Journal Vol. 37, no. 2 (2002), p. 199-211
- Full Text:
- Description: 2003003866
Geological hazards: Hidden dangers for construction
- Authors: Neilson, J. , Peck, W. , Wood, P. , Dahlhaus, Peter , Miner, Anthony , Brumley, J. , Kenley, P. , Wilson, R. , Willman, C. , Rowan, J.
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Geology of Victoria Chapter p. 573-591
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: 2003000625
Geomorphology: The evolution of Victorian landscapes
- Authors: Joyce, Edmund , Webb, John , Dahlhaus, Peter , Grimes, Ken , Hill, Stephen , Kotsonis, Andrew , Martin, John , Mitchell, Mel , Smith, Bart , Jenkin, J. , Neilson, J , Orr, Meredith , Peterson, J. , Rosengren, N. , Rowan, Jim , Rowe, R. , Sargeant, Ian , Stone, Timothy , White, Susan
- Date: 2003
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Geology of Victoria Chapter p. 533-561
- Full Text:
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Coastal rock fall hazard identification, Barwon Heads, Victoria
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Muller, B. , Miner, Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Geomechanics Journal Vol. 41, no. 3 (2006), p. 85-91
- Full Text:
- Description: C1
- Description: 2003002060
FedUni Spatial groundwater bore database
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2006 -
- Type: Text , Dataset
- Full Text: false
- Description: The FedUni Spatial groundwater bore database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on groundwater research and monitoring bores that are either owned, maintained or monitored by the University for groundwater research projects. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The FedUni Spatial groundwater bore database contains information on bore location, bore ownership, bore construction details, aquifer parameters, groundwater level monitoring, groundwater chemistry and isotopes, bore lithology and stratigraphy. It includes links to images, documents, datafiles and weblinks that are relevant to individual bore records. The UB spatial groundwater bore database is also used to clean and enhance data, most of which is then revised in the Victorian Groundwater Management System owned and managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The UB Spatial groundwater bore data is also included in the Visualising Victoria's Groundwater web-portal www.vvg.org.au
- Description: The UB Spatial groundwater bore database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on groundwater research and monitoring bores that are either owned, maintained or monitored by the University for groundwater research projects. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The UB Spatial groundwater bore database contains information on bore location, bore ownership, bore construction details, aquifer parameters, groundwater level monitoring, groundwater chemistry and isotopes, bore lithology and stratigraphy. It includes links to images, documents, datafiles and weblinks that are relevant to individual bore records. The UB spatial groundwater bore database is also used to clean and enhance data, most of which is then revised in the Victorian Groundwater Management System owned and managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. The UB Spatial groundwater bore data is also included in the Visualising Victoria's Groundwater web-portal www.vvg.org.au
FedUni Spatial landslide database
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Miner, Anthony
- Date: 2006 -
- Type: Text , Dataset
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The UB Spatial landslide database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on the spatial distribution of landslide points, lines and polygons that have been mapped for landslide research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. Subsequent funding was received from the Australian Government National Disaster Mitigation Program sourced through the Colac Otway Shire to enhance the data. The UB Spatial landslide database contains information on the spatial locations, landslide extents, landslide types, data sources, data capture methods and assessment date, landscape parameters and dates and styles of movements in south west Victoria. A.S. Miner Geotechnical (Geelong-based consulting geotechnical engineers) has significantly contributed to the data coverage. The University of Wollongong and Mineral Resources Tasmania both contributed to the database schema. The UB spatial landslide database is updated as landslide research projects are completed. Much of this work has been documented for the Corangamite Soil Health Strategy and background reports relating to the research can be accessed at the Corangamite Soil Health Strategy website. https://soilhealth.ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au/soils_map.php
- Description: The UB Spatial landslide database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on the spatial distribution of landslide points, lines and polygons that have been mapped for landslide research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. Subsequent funding was received from the Australian Government National Disaster Mitigation Program sourced through the Colac Otway Shire to enhance the data. The UB Spatial landslide database contains information on the spatial locations, landslide extents, landslide types, data sources, data capture methods and assessment date, landscape parameters and dates and styles of movements in south west Victoria. A.S. Miner Geotechnical (Geelong-based consulting geotechnical engineers) has significantly contributed to the data coverage. The University of Wollongong and Mineral Resources Tasmania both contributed to the database schema. The UB spatial landslide database is updated as landslide research projects are completed. Much of this work has been documented for the Corangamite Soil Health Strategy and background reports relating to the research can be accessed at the Corangamite Soil Health Strategy website. http://www.ccma.vic.gov.au/soilhealth/reports.htm
Geohazard risk management for municipal planning in the Corangamite region, Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Miner, Anthony
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at The 10th international congress of the IAEG, Nottingham, UK : 6th September, 2006
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Corangamite region covers an area of approximately 13,340 km2 and is located in south western Victoria, Australia. The population of approximately 400,000 persons is growing at 5.2% per year, and is served by nine municipalities within the region. The region's diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions, result in a variety of geological hazards including landslides, soil erosion of all forms, coastal erosion, dryland salinity, potential acid sulphate soils, reactive soils and ground subsidence. These geohazards are increasingly recognised as a constraint on future urban development and a threat to the economic, social and environmental health of the region. Evaluation of the impacts of geological hazards by State government authorities, research institutions and consultants has been inconsistent, both in hazard identification and risk assessment methods. As a result, municipal planning authorities have lacked a consistent framework with which to assess the potential impacts from these hazards and those associated with new developments which may interact with the hazards. The use of risk assessment techniques for the management of landslides in Australia advanced significantly after the publication of the Australian Geomechanics Society's landslide risk management concepts and guidelines in 2000. These guidelines in turn were based on the Australian/New Zealand Standard on Risk Management. Similar risk management techniques have now been developed by the authors for the assessment of soil erosion and salinity for particular use by municipalities within the Corangamite region. A brief review of the nature and extent of landslides, salinity and erosion in the Corangamite region is detailed. The adopted methods of the risk management for each geohazard are described including a comparison of their applicability and an assessment of limitations with each method.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003002055
Groundwater flows & groundwater - surface water interactions in the Corangamite CMA region
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Barton, Andrew , Cox, Jim , Herczeg, Annette
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Regolith 2006: Consolidation and Dispersion of Ideas Chapter p. 377-384
- Full Text:
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- Description: The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region occupies an area of 13,340 km2 in southwestern Victoria, and consists of four major river basins, namely Moorrabool River, Barwon River, Lake Corangamite and Otway Coast. The region is of high economic value to the State with much of the land supporting agricultural and forestry industries.
- Description: B1
- Description: 2003002067
Hydropedology, geomorphology and groundwater processes hold the keys to land degradation - case studies in SW Victoria, Australia
- Authors: MacEwan, Richard , Dahlhaus, Peter , Fawcett, Jonathon
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at 18th World Congress of Soil Science, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA : 9th-15th July 2006
- Full Text: false
- Description: Soil is the component in the landscape along with land use management and vegetation that determines all the partitioning of water balance components that affect surface hydrology (runoff to waterways and wetlands) and recharge to groundwater. Most soil and land degradation processes are hydrologically driven or depend on hydrological conditions. Conceptual models and quantification of erosion processes (wind erosion is a result of lack of moisture), land salinisation, acidification, nutrient loss and impacts of nutrient movement, all require an understanding of the role of hydrology specific to the landscape under consideration. In Australia, salinity is a major problem for agriculture in irrigated and rainfed (‘dryland agriculture) land and has significant economic impacts in urban areas too. A general water balance approach has been used to conceptualise the processes and the problem. Large scale clearing of treed landscapes in favour of annual crops and pastures has been seen as the major change in the water balance of Australian landscapes since settlement. This change in vegetation and water use is frequently cited as the most significant factor in causing land salinisation, which is attributed to increase in groundwater recharge, mobilisation of salts, groundwater rise and discharge. We provide three case studies for landscapes that require quite different conceptual models and all of which are in some degree counter to the developed conventional wisdom regarding increased salinity. These case studies illustrate the importance of developing an appropriate conceptual model of hydrological processes in the ‘critical zone', in particular for implementation of policy and practice in land management. Case 1. South Eastern Dundas Tablelands, Victoria. In this landscape the apparent degradation of land by salinity is the result of changed hydrological conditions but has not resulted from increased groundwater discharge or increased salt accumulation. We have evidence that groundwater recharge and discharge have not increased since clearing of the landscape during European settlement. Laboratory hydrological studies in large diameter cores from soil and regolith, interpretation of redoximorphic features and functional horizons in the field and analysis of historical records of streamflow support this hypothesis. We also show that the degradation of salt affected areas is due to fluctuating waterlogging and drying of the soil causing cyclic redox conditions and changes in soil chemistry. Case 2. Dissected Coastal Plain, Victoria. In this landscape, slowly permeable marine clay overlain by coastal sand deposits provides a classic ‘layer cake' picture of differentially permeable material. The unconsolidated nature of the clays and the relatively deep dissection that exists presents a landslide prone landscape and one that also shows the effects of salting in low areas. In this region we show that upward pressure from a deep (200 m) confined freshwater aquifer maintains saturation in the marine clay and that waterlogging, landslides and salinity result from hydrological dynamics of the upper few metres of regolith and soil. Evidence has been collected from field survey, groundwater studies, geotechnical measurements and regolith mineralogy. Case 3. Granite Uplands, Victoria. In this landscape we have interpreted redoximorphic features of functional horizons and measurement of shallow groundwater salinities in a toposequence. Our conceptual model is of a regional saline groundwater system discharging in springs relatively high in the landscape. We show the role of shallow throughflow of water in the soil in spreading salt from these point sources, simultaneously diluting the effect of salinity in local drainage lines but increasing the area of salt affected land upslope from the drainage lines. In each case study area we have been compelled to develop an understanding that fits the landscape realities. We have used empirical observations and interpretation of soil morphology, regolith and groundwater characteristics, laboratory studies, soil chemistry and hydro-chemistry to support our work. We stress the importance of this approach integrating the sciences of hydrology, pedology, chemistry and geology in coming to appropriate conclusions about land degradation processes, especially if we are to advise on land management investment and policy to tackle degradation.
- Description: 2003002070
The impact of landslides and erosion in the Corangamite region, Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Miner, Anthony , Feltham, W. , Clarkson, Troy
- Date: 2006
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Paper presented at the Geological Society of London 2006, Nottingham, United Kingdom : 6th September, 2006
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Corangamite region in southwest Victoria, Australia is subject to a variety of geohazards, among which landslides and erosion have the most significant impact. Over the past fifty years, landslides have resulted in loss of life and many millions of dollars damage to municipal infrastructure and development. Soil erosion by water and wind has also impacted on the region's waterways and environment, threatening a diverse range of assets from urban water quality to Ramsar-listed wetlands. More assets are placed at risk each year, as the increasing regional population results in an acceleration of anthropogenic modifications to landscapes. A comprehensive GIS database was initiated by assembling all publicly available previous databases and reports documenting landslides and erosion in the 1,340 km2 region. New data were added by mapping occurrences which were visible on high-resolution ortho-corrected aerial photographs. The field-checking of the occurrences was assisted by the participation of the local community, municipal officers and catchment management coordinators. At present 2163 landslides and 2380 erosion sites have been identified, mapped and referenced in the database. It is believed that thousands more instances exist, but these cannot be identified at the aerial photo scale, or are obscured by dense vegetation. A spatial analysis has been undertaken to identify landscape parameters which correlate with the occurrences. Historical aerial photography was used in selected locations to identify the rates of erosion and landslide events. The inventory has been used to estimate the economic, social and environmental costs of landslides and soil erosion within the region, using documented instances of damage and the costs of remediation. Combined with the value of the assets and elements at risk, the potential likelihood of occurrence and associated consequences, these estimates are used to develop a strategy for the investment of public funds in remediation.
- Description: E1
- Description: 2003002058
UB Spatial erosion database
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2006 -
- Type: Text , Dataset
- Full Text: false
- Description: The UB Spatial erosion database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on the spatial distribution of soil erosion points, lines and polygons that have been mapped for soil erosion research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The UB Spatial erosion database contains information on the spatial extents, type, source, capture method and assessment date of the erosion in the Corangamite Catchment Authority region. The UB spatial erosion database is infrequently updated. https://soilhealth.ccmaknowledgebase.vic.gov.au/soils_map.php
- Description: The UB Spatial erosion database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on the spatial distribution of soil erosion points, lines and polygons that have been mapped for soil erosion research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The UB Spatial erosion database contains information on the spatial extents, type, source, capture method and assessment date of the erosion in the Corangamite Catchment Authority region. The UB spatial erosion database is infrequently updated.
FedUni Spatial salinity database
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2006 - 2010
- Type: Text , Dataset
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The FedUni Spatial salinity database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the Federation University Australia. It records data on the spatial distribution of salinity polygons that have been mapped for salinity research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The UB Spatial salinity database contains information on the spatial extents, dominant type, severity, source and assessment date of the salinity in the Corangamite Catchment Authority region. The UB spatial salinity database is infrequently updated. The vast majority of the data was collected and assembled by Dr Peter Dahlhaus for his PhD project. http://theses.flinders.edu.au/public/adt-SFU20100928.150627/index.html
- Description: The UB Spatial salinity database is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the University of Ballarat. It records data on the spatial distribution of salinity polygons that have been mapped for salinity research projects undertaken by the University. The UB Spatial website was initially developed with funding support from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and contained four environmental datasets: groundwater bores, salinity, erosion and landslides, covering the Corangamite region. The UB Spatial salinity database contains information on the spatial extents, dominant type, severity, source and assessment date of the salinity in the Corangamite Catchment Authority region. The UB spatial salinity database is infrequently updated. The vast majority of the data was collected and assembled by Dr Peter Dahlhaus for his PhD project. http://theses.flinders.edu.au/public/adt-SFU20100928.150627/index.html
Beyond hydrogeologic evidence : Challenging the current assumptions about salinity processes in the Corangamite region, Australia
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Cox, Jim , Simmons, Craig , Smitt, C. M.
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Hydrogeology Journal Vol. 16, no. 7 (2008), p. 1283-1298
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- Reviewed:
- Description: In keeping with the standard scientific methods, investigations of salinity processes focus on the collection and interpretation of contemporary scientific data. However, using multiple lines of evidence from non-hydrogeologic sources such as geomorphic, archaeological and historical records can substantially add value to the scientific investigations. By using such evidence, the validity of the assumptions about salinity processes in Australian landscapes is challenged, especially the assumption that the clearing of native vegetation has resulted in rising saline groundwater in all landscapes. In the Corangamite region of south-west Victoria, salinity has been an episodic feature of the landscapes throughout the Quaternary and was present at the time of the Aboriginal inhabitants and the first pastoral settlement by Europeans. Although surface-water salinity has increased in some waterways and the area of salinised land has expanded in some landscapes, there is no recorded evidence found which supports significant rises in groundwater following widespread land-use change. In many areas, salinity is an inherent component of the region's landscapes, and sustains world-class environmental assets that require appropriate salinity levels for their ecological health. Managing salinity requires understanding the specific salinity processes in each landscape. © Springer-Verlag 2008.
Salinity without rising watertables: salinity processes and risk assessment in south-west Victoria
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Fawcett, Jonathon
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Full Text: false
- Description: 2003009093
Some geomorphological techniques used in constraining the likelihood of landsliding - Selected Australian examples
- Authors: Miner, Anthony , Flentje, Phil , Mazengrab, Colin , Selkirk-Bell, Jennifer , Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 10th International Symposium on Landslides and Engineered Slopes
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Techniques for landslide risk management in Australia have evolved considerably since the publication of the first formal process in 1985. The Australian Geomechanics Society recently published the next generation of updated landslide risk documents in 2007. The estimation of landslide likelihood is fundamental to the outcome of the landslide risk management process. However, experienced practitioners still regard this component as one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of the assessment as it requires information about the age of landslides, an understanding of landscape processes and the rate of slope evolution. Such information is difficult to obtain and is often not a core competency among practitioners undertaking landslide risk assessment. In order to provide insight into the methods of estimating and constraining landslide likelihood, a number of different geomorphological approaches are herewith reviewed through a series of selected Australian cases studies. Whilst the case studies highlight inherent limitations and uncertainties they also demonstrate how geomorphological studies can provide validation and constraints to a quantification of likelihood and ultimately risk.
Spatial infrastructure, information access and knowledge building
- Authors: Thompson, Helen , MacLeod, Andrew , Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Full Text: false
- Description: Most decisions involve a spatial component, though few people realise its significance (Williamson & Wallace, 2006). Recent advances in web-based geographical information systems (GIS) are bringing the spatial component to the forefront. As a result new opportunities are available for getting decision useful information and data into an environment where it can be shared with and accessed by organisations and members of the general public (Geomatic Technologies, 2008). This paper explores the emerging area of web-based GIS and its impact. Barriers which often limit spatial information access and knowledge building are identified. Recent advances in spatial infrastructure are introduced. A potential model for stimulating the dissemination and use of spatial information is presented. Early implementation activities and associated results are detailed. Future work and parallel research focussed on establishing the value and contribution of spatial information to regional planning outcomes are then briefly described. Copyright © 2008 COSI.
- Description: 2003006851
Groundwater-level response to land-use change and the implications for salinity management in the West Moorabool River catchment, Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Dahlhaus, Peter , Evans, Timothy , Nathan, Erica , Cox, Jim , Simmons, Craig
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Hydrogeology Journal Vol. 18, no. 7 (2010), p. 1611-1623
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The connection between the removal of native vegetation, rising water tables and increasing stream salinity has been established for many catchments across Australia. However, the West Moorabool River in south west Victoria is an example of a catchment where there has been little discernable effect on groundwater levels following land clearing. Over the past 150 years, a significant portion of the catchment has been cleared of dense forest for agricultural development. Historic standing water-level records from 1870-1871 and 1881 are compared with contemporary measurements (1970s to 2007) recorded in the government bore databases. The data show that the earliest recorded groundwater levels are well within the seasonal range of values observed today. By integrating geology and hydrogeology with historical observations of groundwater levels, climate data and land use, the contemporary field observations of stream salinity are linked to the changed water use and shift in rainfall. In contrast to the normally accepted axiom, reafforestation as a management strategy to mitigate the rising salinity in the West Moorabool River catchment would seem inappropriate. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.
- Description: The connection between the removal of native vegetation, rising water tables and increasing stream salinity has been established for many catchments across Australia. However, the West Moorabool River in south west Victoria is an example of a catchment where there has been little discernable effect on groundwater levels following land clearing. Over the past 150 years, a significant portion of the catchment has been cleared of dense forest for agricultural development. Historic standing water-level records from 1870-1871 and 1881 are compared with contemporary measurements (1970s to 2007) recorded in the government bore databases. The data show that the earliest recorded groundwater levels are well within the seasonal range of values observed today. By integrating geology and hydrogeology with historical observations of groundwater levels, climate data and land use, the contemporary field observations of stream salinity are linked to the changed water use and shift in rainfall. In contrast to the normally accepted axiom, reafforestation as a management strategy to mitigate the rising salinity in the West Moorabool River catchment would seem inappropriate. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.
Rockfalls : Predicting high-risk behaviour from beliefs
- Authors: Aucote, Helen , Miner, Anthony , Dahlhaus, Peter
- Date: 2010
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Disaster Prevention and Management Vol. 19, no. 1 (2010), p. 20-31
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of the public's beliefs, attitudes and knowledge regarding rockfalls, and to see whether these variables could predict whether a person is likely to enter high-risk rockfall areas. Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was developed to measure beliefs (informed by the health belief model), knowledge, and previous behaviour in relation to rockfalls. Questions were also included to measure attitudes regarding rockfall caution signs. In total, 138 members of the general public completed the questionnaire. Findings – High-risk behaviour was more likely if the person was male and if the person had the belief that sign-posted high-risk areas were not dangerous. Further, believing that the sign-posted areas were not dangerous was more likely among people who held negative attitudes towards cautionary signs; specifically, these participants were more likely to doubt the validity of the warning signs. Research limitations/implications – The research was exploratory in nature. Further research should be conducted with a larger sample size and a more random selection of the general population. Ways of improving measurement of the variables are discussed. Practical implications – Efforts should be made to increase the public's perception of the validity of rockfall cautionary signs. Doing so may decrease injury and death as a result of rockfalls. Suggestions on ways to increase the validity of signage are made. Originality/value – It is presumed that this study is the first to attempt to gain an understanding of the beliefs and attitudes that may lead a person into engaging in high-risk behaviour in relation to rockfalls.