Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
focused on raster data, while HGIS, so defined, has focused mainly on
vector data and on tools like ArcGIS and MapInfo. However, some of the
largest technical challenges in HGIS concern the adaptation of image-
processing technology developed for the analysis of aerial and satellite
photographs to the automated analysis of historical maps.
We became involved in this area through work on historical land uti-
lization survey maps, developed in collaboration with and partly funded
by the UK's Department of the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs
(DEFR A) and two of its executive agencies, the Environment Agency
and Natural England. One interesting aspect of this work is the differ-
ences in goals and perspectives between even these very closely related
bodies.
First, DEFR A's Agricultural Change and Environment Observatory
was established to monitor and, where possible, anticipate changes in
agriculture, particularly those changes arising from the 2003 Common
Agricultural Policy reforms, and to assess the environmental implica-
tions of these reforms. DEFR A's main focus is on strategic trends rather
than managing particular local environments. One issue is how changes
in the structure of farm businesses affect farming practices and so alter
the landscape.
Second, the Environment Agency is concerned primarily with riv-
ers, flooding, and pollution and is consequently focused on the man-
agement of river basins. It has primary responsibility for implementing
the European Union's Water Quality Directive. One aspect of this is
reducing the amounts of nitrates in “nitrate-vulnerable zones,” which
currently cover 20 percent of England. Given that reducing fertilizer use
may make arable farming nonviable, identifying which areas and addi-
tional farms were traditionally pastoral and converted to arable during
or after World War II is one way of targeting action.
Third, Natural England exists “to ensure sustainable stewardship of
the land and sea so that people and nature can thrive. It is our respon-
sibility to see that England's rich natural environment can adapt and
survive intact for future generations to enjoy.”
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One aspect of this is the
Environmental Stewardship scheme, funded by the European Union
as part of the Common Agricultural Policy, Pillar 2. UK funding under
this policy for 2007-2013 was £4.5 billion. “Place based evidence of long
