An evaluation of SPOT-simulation imagery for land-use mapping and ecological investigations in upland areas of Northern Ireland

Abstract

In Northern Ireland peat and marginal land dominate uplands, form significant cover in lowlands and, together with the small-scale intricate nature of field systems, result in a landscape unlike many other parts of the United Kingdom.

Four cover types are considered in the analysis of SPOT-simulated imagery ­peat, marginal land, forests and improved grassland. Results suggest potential use of SPOT in delimitation and differentiation of peat areas for commercial and conservation purposes; monitoring of forest environments; assessing suitable areas for hill-land improvement; and a general land utilization survey.     

Strategies for the construction sector in the information technology era

The construction industries in many countries are starting to consider seriously the strategic use of information technology (IT). The use of information technology in construction is extending beyond the stage of piecemeal application for improving the efficiency of discrete operations by individual organizations to the advanced stage where IT is applied strategically in commercial enterprises, government agencies and professional institutions. Progress in construction in this regard appears to lag behind that in most other sectors of the economy. This paper considers the nature and the background of this progression in construction by examining proposals by Earl (1989) of nine basic prerequisites to the IT era which make a strategic approach timely. Each prerequisite is outlined and how it has been met in other sectors of the economy considered. The extent to which these prerequisites apply in construction and the scope for their application in the near future are examined. It is argued that all organizations involved in construction will ultimately have to think strategically about their use of IT, and how some are already doing so is described.

In discussing the factors which hinder the strategic application of IT in construction, the nature of the design and construction processes and initiatives that may be necessary to overcome the perceived problems are examined in detail. The strategies that are evolving at a national level in Singapore are outlined.