Landscape classification of the Galilee preliminary assessment extent

## **Abstract** 

The dataset was derived by the Bioregional Assessment Programme from multiple source datasets. The source datasets are identified in the Lineage field in this metadata statement. The processes undertaken to produce this derived dataset are described in the History field in this metadata statement.



 2.3.3.1	Landscape classification methodology

The Galilee subregion is within the Lake Eyre Basin bioregion and is the largest subregion being assessed by the Bioregional Assessment Programme. The assessment extent of the Galilee, as measured by the PAE is considerably greater, almost double in area compared to the subregion. The Galilee PAE occupies a large range of environments from the mountains of the Great Dividing Range through a large area of semi-arid and arid inland Australia to the shores of Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre. Key features of the Galilee PAE are its large area, sparse human population density and unpredictable rainfall resulting in natural and human systems driven by resource pulses and boom-bust dynamics. Low human population density results in the natural vegetation being relatively intact. Dominant land use in the PAE is grazing of sheep and cattle on natural pastures (grazing natural vegetation). Other major land uses are nature conservation, production forestry (confined to the wetter east-central edge of the PAE) and other minimal use. There is no pasture modification or intensive production within the PAE. Urban settlement is limited in extent.

As a consequence of its size and diversity, the Galilee PAE contains a large number and diverse range of assets that span ecological, sociocultural and economic values. The subregion has over 4400 assets that comprise over 800,000 individual spatially discrete elements (O'Grady et al., 2015). Many of these assets are large in extent; for example, Diamantina National Park, a park in south-west Queensland, has an area of 507,000 ha (Sparrow et al., 2015).

A landscape classification was developed to characterise the nature of water dependency among these assets. The aim of the landscape classification is to systematically define geographical areas into classes based on similarity in physical and/or biological and hydrological character. The landscape classification includes all natural and human ecosystems in the PAE. Thus the objective of the landscape classification is to present a conceptualisation of the main biophysical and human systems at the surface and describe their hydrological connectivity. This section describes the methodology and datasets used to arrive at the landscape classification for ecosystems within the Galilee PAE

Multiple classification methodologies have been developed to provide consistent and functionally relevant representations of water-dependent ecosystems (e.g. ANAE). The approach outlined here, has built on, and integrated these existing classification systems. The landscape classification was carried out on data layers consisting of polygons (e.g. remnant vegetation, wetlands) and lines (stream network) and points (springs and spring complexes).

## **Dataset History** 

See report "Conceptual modelling for the Galilee subregion Bioregional assessments | Section 2.3.3 Ecosystems" for full detail on how this dataset was created.

## **Dataset Citation** 

Bioregional Assessment Programme (2016) Landscape classification of the Galilee preliminary assessment extent. Bioregional Assessment Derived Dataset. Viewed 12 December 2018, http://data.bioregionalassessments.gov.au/dataset/53c534ba-bf4a-4d2a-a220-e74d72e27969.

## **Dataset Ancestors** 

* **Derived From** [Queensland wetland data version 3 - wetland areas.](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/2a187a00-b01e-4097-9ca4-c9683e7f4786)

* **Derived From** [Geofabric Surface Cartography - V2.1](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/5342c4ba-f094-4ac5-a65d-071ff5c642bc)

* **Derived From** [Geofabric Surface Cartography - V2.1.1](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/ce5b77bf-5a02-4cf8-9cf2-be4a2cee2677)

* **Derived From** [GEODATA TOPO 250K Series 3, File Geodatabase format (.gdb)](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/96ebf889-f726-4967-9964-714fb57d679b)

* **Derived From** [Queensland groundwater dependent ecosystems](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/10940dfa-d7ef-44fb-8ac2-15d75068fff8)

* **Derived From** [GEODATA TOPO 250K Series 3](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/a0650f18-518a-4b99-a553-44f82f28bb5f)

* **Derived From** [Multi-resolution Valley Bottom  Flatness MrVBF at three second resolution CSIRO 20000211](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/7dfc93bb-62f3-40a1-8d39-0c0f27a83cb3)

* **Derived From** [Landscape classification of the Galilee preliminary assessment extent](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/80e7b80a-23e4-4aa1-a56c-27febe34d7db)

* **Derived From** [Biodiversity status of pre-clearing and remnant regional ecosystems - South East Qld](https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/9b7bcebf-8b7f-4fb4-bc91-d39f1bd960cb)



Tags: Galilee subregion, environment
Organization: Bioregional Assessment Program