Introduction

In this section of the CD-ROM, five cases of application of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to daily management of the Natural Park are presented. The examples described here should only be taken as an introductory overview of how to use the GIS for different tasks in Natural Park management. In no way is this an exhaustive or detailed explanation of each module. Nevertheless, you may find that some of them are described in greater depth in the articles included in this CD-ROM (see (Web page)).

The differentiating feature of these applications is the need to continuously update the databases with new information that is generated daily in the Natural Park. For example, in reports management, specifically in managing the action program, there is an alphanumerical database as well as constantly updated maps based on the status of each report throughout time. Reports in the 'Zona Volcānica de la Garrotxa' context are a prerequisite for permission granting (forest cuts, road opening, etc.) and take the form of written documents and accompanying maps, spreadsheets, etc.

The examples given here are, in fact, cases of natural resource monitoring programs handled by GIS. The first of these examples shows how GIS is used to control and monitor reports, offenses and projects by the Natural Park. The second example presents the program for monitoring the quantity and quality of water from the area's alluvial-volcanic aquifer. Forest management shows how the GIS can be used for such purposes in a Natural Park and thus fulfill its management needs. This includes monitoring the state of forest conservation throug time, drawing up and/or evaluating Forest Management Plans and responding with authorization reports to forest use demands. In regard to fauna, you will learn how all information related to animal sightings is organized and then used to draw up custom-made distribution maps.