Browsing by Author "Khanyile, Samkelisiwe Ntandoyenkosi"

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    Towards a digital mine: a spatial database for accessing historical geospatial data on mining and related activities
    (2016) Khanyile, Samkelisiwe Ntandoyenkosi
    Countries around the world are recognising the importance of geospatial data in answering questions related to spatially varying industries such as mining activities (ongoing and discontinued). This is becoming increasingly evident with countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom working towards establishing Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) inventories. However, the increasing need for data on mining activities is not paralleled by an increase in the availability of such data. The aim of this research therefore is to design a database for accessing historical and current geospatial data that can be used to support research, environmental management efforts as well as support decision making at all levels. A user needs survey was conducted. Two sampling methods were employed, convenient sampling and snowball sampling method. The convenient sampling method was used mostly with all the WDMP group members and the latter was employed with the respondents from institutions and organisations outside of the university respectively. The data were then categorised so as to make analysis easier and data could be evaluated on the same basis. An evaluation of the data collected showed that although the WDMP required different types of data (spatial and non- spatial) the data feed into each other and as such it is important that there is a central repository in which to store them. Furthermore investigation also shows that there is a wealth of data on current mining activities, but not so much on historical mining activities. Although data on mining activities exists, accessibility to these data is hindered by various factors such as copyright infringements, data costs, discrepancies in the data request process. The outcome of this research has been that of a physical database PostgreSQL database (PostGIS) and one mounted on an online platform (GeoServer). The databases can be visualised on PostgreSQL using select statements or visualisation through establishing a connection with QGIS, alternatively the database may be accessed on GeoServer. The database is expected to be of use to at least all members of the Wits Digital Mine Project (WDMP) and stakeholders involved in the project. The database can be used for baseline studies and also as a basis for the framework used to analyse, remedy as well as predict future challenges in the mining industry. Moreover, the database can act as a central repository for all data produced from the WDMP.