GIS and machine peat extraction

Abstract

This paper outlines the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS), in the form of map overlays, to assist in the identification of socio-economic and physical environmental factors affecting extraction of peat by machine from blanket bog in Northern Ireland. The spatially coincident distributions revealed, were further investigated by other means, to establish any casual relationships. PC Arc/Info, a proprietary GIS package installed on an IBM PS/2 Model 80 and the UNIRAS mapping system were used by the team, which comprised two geographers (RT and MC), an economist/computer programmer (DB) and a research assistant familiar with Arc/Info (PD). The work of the participants was therefore complementary. The paper is in four parts: 1. The issue to be investigated 2. GIS in a trial area 3. GIS for all the blanket peatland 4. Conclusions