A digital 1:50,000 scale map of the Auckland region has been generated
specifically to highlight lizard surrogate vegetation, volcanic
geology and the cycle/walkway network. This map is cut into 2km
square patches along the lines of the map location grid. These patches
are sorted according to the particular combinations of landscape
conditions already present within them and coded by colour, (topographical,
vegetative, circulation indicators etc).
These patches are then re-assembled to identify patterns of similarity
and difference which emerge from the field, in order to extend lizard-friendly
vegetation/geology/cycleway conjunctions into areas hitherto devoid
of lizard populations. Like combinations are identified and grouped.
Their new arrangements include some patches which are similar and
already adjacent, but also those which are similar yet widely geographically
separated.
The initial rearrangement is based on a series of gradients of lizard-favouring
combinations of vegetation and geology, in combination with cycleways,
pathways and council-owned open space. The optimum gradient moves
from bottom left to top right of the rearranged map, with lizard
‘deserts’ of sea and relatively unvegetated urban areas
grading to the top left and bottom right. The gradients are highlighted
through the use of a chromatic tint. Groups of like conditions are
nominated as specific zones of varying potential for the enhancement
of lizard habitat. these range from zone 1 (urban intensive), with
a high degree of lizard habitat conditions, up to zones 4 and 5
with thinly scattered opportunities.
These tinted patches are then rearranged back into their original
geographic location so that the implications of this new lizard
zoning can be considered. The distribution of patches provides focus
for new lizard research intiatives and wide scale planning opportunities.
These include establishing habitat corridors to link rich patches
together, and alerting councils to possible lizard-enhancement programmes
in the design of public open space. This new zoning can also act
to increase communities' awareness of their own proximity to potential
lizard habitat, and encourage the creation of habitat in private
gardens.
click
to view a series of maps as a popup
The process can be repeated, centred on different patches, creating
different variations. Once multiple permutations have been generated,
the decision to add or modify vegetation, paths or other landscape
elements in any given place can be considered in the light of the
impact at both large and small scales. Thus some interventions are
highly localized and still effective, while others benefit from
spatial continuity and extension, all contributing to the evolving
mosaic of a lizard-loving city.
(To get printable versions of various Artweb images
go to the download page) |
