Spatio‐temporal GIS Development to Aid Multiple‐use Forest Management

Abstract This research investigates the potential of a dedicated Geographic Information System (GIS) to provide spatiotemporal data visualisation and analysis to aid multiple‐use forest management in the Kingston State Forest, near Manjimup, Western Australia. The goals of this research are to develop and use sophisticated data evaluation techniques to assist in understanding the ecology of the western ringtail possum and to evaluate the impact of current timber harvesting practices on possum populations to ensure the jarrah forests continue to support them. Data used included digital topographic data as well as spatial and temporal fauna observation data. Visual representation of interactive queries offered a conceptual understanding of the spatial structure and temporal aspects of the data, showing that possum behaviour differed between harvested and non‐harvested areas within the research site. Furthermore, the dedicated GIS proved its utility as a management and research tool that is readily transfera...