Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

Digby Wells has a fully functional GIS capability. GIS is a digital cartographic tool capable of creating, integrating, storing, editing, analysing, sharing and displaying geographically referenced information. It allows users to create queries, analyse spatial information and edit and manage data, with the final function being the creation of maps to aid in visual interpretation.

The use of GIS and maps as interpretation aids is valuable in the sense that they visually display data, providing far more meaningful results. It are these visual products that the GIS specialists strive to enhance.

Topographical Mapping

A topographical map is a scaled diagram of reality and is characterised by local detail, including an array of natural and man-made environmental features. The map supplies a generalised description of the earth's surface, which includes roads, railways, rivers, towns, political boundaries, buildings and other relevant information. Topographical maps have a wide range of uses especially relevant to planning.

Digital Terrain Modelling (DTM)

A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is used to depict the relief of the topography of an area; it is an invaluable tool for visualising slopes, drainage patterns and relative elevations. The model is drafted on elevation data such as contour lines. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data and survey data is used.

Viewshed Analysis

Viewsheds are created through a combination of DTM data and 3D point data in order to establish an area which will have a direct line-of-site with the feature of interest. This technique can be used to identify the visual impact of proposed developments, as it shows the area from which the proposed development will be visible.

Aerial Photography

The interpretation of aerial photography is an extremely useful practice for investigations in both the natural and human environments. Spatial and temporal relationships such as land uses, vegetation types and environmental disturbances are assessed using this technique.

Digby Wells undertakes on behalf of clients the management of specialist subcontractors to determine specifications and quality control.

Statistical Mapping

Statistical information are modelled to evaluate spatial differentiation of data sets; this is used to understand the various populations residing in the area of interest, to determine project impacts and to guide development decisions. These techniques are applied to a wide range of disciplines including population data, hydrochemistry, biological communities etc.

Data Modelling

Data Modelling is performed when data is displayed to emphasise a specific theme. This method is used for visualising specific aspects of data that would not otherwise have been identified. Data modelling is very useful to the analyst as it highlights variations and relationships as well as concentrations in data.

Map Projections

Our GIS specialists are familiar with the commonly-used projections and co-ordinate systems and are able to use and translate data into the appropriate formats and projections in order to create spatially and statistically accurate results.

3 Dimensional and Spatial Analysis

The GIS unit has also acquired both the 3D and Spatial Analyst extensions for ArcGis 9.3.1.

The extensions to the software package enable us to perform complicated analyses of data, which include volumetric calculations of tailings facilities and mining pits; as well as cut-and-fill of slopes. Currently these new software extensions are being utilised to perform an array of analyses for extensive hydrological mapping (stream accumulation predictions, flood hydrology etc.).

Design Assistance

Digby Wells has undertaken design and supervision in the construction and operation of waste-management and tailings facilities. Inspections of dam safety, tailings-management practices and review of large designs are still undertaken.

We assist clients to ensure that the conceptual designs incorporate the best possible measures to limit long-term liabilities and aid closure, as well as to ensure that the placement and management of waste facilities take into account environmental considerations.

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