GIS mapping of vegetation cover at two specially protected areas; Botany Bay, Granite Harbour and Cape Bird

The ground cover of vegetation was mapped for the entire ASPA (Antarctic Specially Protected Areas) at Botany Bay, Granite Harbour and at Cape Bird including mosses, lichen and algae. The method for estimating ground cover first involved dividing the ASPA into zones with similar environmental characteristics, and estimating the vegetation density. Separate percentage ground cover for moss, lichen and algae were estimated and recorded in a vegetation GIS data layer.Twenty vegetation change monitoring sites were established at Botany Bay and 2 sites at Cape Bird and recorded using GPS coordinates and photographic techniques.