We have an established GIS team providing high quality digitised maps and other visual graphics to complement field work as well as enabling our multi-disciplinary team to analyse and manipulate ecological data.

RSK Carter Ecological regularly undertake ecological mapping for projects ranging from small, internal bat building surveys for individual clients, to large, regional transport infrastructure projects for both commercial and non-commercial clients.



Project mapping - including extended Phase 1 habitat maps, protected species maps, NVC community maps, and ecological data search maps showing designated sites and species records;

Spatial overlay analysis and spatial statistics - enabling proximity analysis, buffer construction, habitat extent, and layer manipulation to more easily identify key features and habitats;

Efficient data management and in-house capabilities to digitise and geo-reference any spatial data relevant to the project including aerial photographs and client base maps;

Data presentation and visualisation, with outputs produced at various scales dependant on the project requirements; and

GIS training courses in an ecological context.

We use the leading GIS industry software packages MapInfo and ESRI enabling us to meet client needs.


GIS Services

RSK Carter Ecological provides a full GIS service to other ecological consultancies and government organisations. We have developed our data management and mapping techniques over the last six years to fulfil the requirements of both ecologists and clients. We have specialist mapping styles to map the extensive range of ecological surveys and background data maps. In particular we have developed a Phase1 key for MapInfo. However, we are very flexible, as each project provides new challenges, and will adapt our standards to meet your needs.

By using our GIS services you can maximise your time spend in the field, whist having a GIS team that competently interprets ecological surveys and produces mapping to the highest of standards. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your mapping requirements further.

Training

Beginner and intermediated training courses in MapInfo are available, for more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

GIS Downloads

RSK Carter Ecological have developed a Phase1 habitat survey sheet in MapInfo over the last six years. This key sheet can now be downloaded to support others who map Phase1 habitats. You can also download examples of previous Phase1 habitat surveys which illustrate how effective the Phase1 key is.

To use the Phase1 key sheet you need to download the zipped file “Phase 1 Keysheet Packaged“. Included in this file is a workspace also entitled “Phase 1 Keysheet Packaged-15.05.08” and the two TAB files “Final-Phase 1 and Des. Sites - MapInfo Colour Codes Table” and “RSK Logo” with their associated Jpegs. The workspace has been packed so that it will open so long as all five files are extracted to the same location. Within the page setup menu in MapInfo it is best to view the work space as A4 portrait view, especially if you are printing it.

Once you open the workspace in MapInfo you can see that the key sheet is organised in three rows of habitat categories (e.g. Woodland and Scrub, Grassland and Marsh etc) and habitat sub classes (e.g. Broad-leaved semi natural woodland, Board leaved plantation woodland etc).
Each habitat category is grouped together and is ordered as it appears in the JNCC Handbook for Phase1 habitat survey (1993). Within each group there are the habitat sub classes, which again are ordered as in the JNCC Handbook for Phase1 habitat survey (1993).
Each habitat sub class is represented by a polygon, symbol or polyline with an associated pattern and colour, and in the case of symbols a size and lines a width. To the right of the habitat sub class is the description used to identify the sub class e.g. unimproved acid grassland. To the left of each habitat sub class is the colour used to fill the polygon, symbol or polyline associated with that sub class. The colour refers to the second layout in the workspace “Phase 1 Keysheet Packaged-15.05.08”, named “Layout Colour Codes”. This illustrates which particular shade of colour is used by going along the columns and down the rows. In addition we have added the three most common types of target notes used by RSK Carter Ecological.

Once you have opened the workspace in MapInfo you can select any of the habitat sub classes and identify what style has been used as you would any other polygon, symbol or polyline. The styles have been thoroughly checked to ensure that they contrast well and print of effectively. The colour can also been obtained this way, but it is not strictly as they are described to the left of each habitat sub class.

The pdf versions of the workspaces are also available to download. These are very useful for quick reference, and contain all the information you need.

By using the key sheet styles you can ensure that all maps produced within a company or team are to the same style and standard. Also you can ensure that the printed versions will be as clear as what can be seen on the computer monitor.


Files

Click here to download the keysheet packages
Example_Phase1_pdf - Click here

We welcome any feedback, so please do not hesitate to contact us.

divey@rskcarterecological.co.uk