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Example Layers of spatial data Module
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“layers” you might use are:
? aerial photography ? habitat regions
? satellite imagery ? lakes and rivers
? country boundaries ? elevation contours Abu Dhabi, UAE
? local administrative boundaries ? climate data
? streets ? soil layer data
? cities ? wildlife populations
? utilities
? protected natural areas
(National Geographic Society, 2006)

Example

Consider the following map (Figure 3), which provid spatial information that help in studying
the degree of desertification in the different parts of Saltanat Oman. A simple form of
analysis using non-spatial data would be to overlay statistical information about the number
of cattle, Goate, sheep and camels located within the boundaries of the map. You could then
determine if there is a correlation between animal density and desertification. As shown in

this made up example, Dhofar Community has a highest animal unite in Oman, and thus
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more potential grazing pressure than other Communities. At the same time the rainfall
recorded in the two metrological stations in Dhofar are 63mm in Salala, and 4.4 in Tamreat.
(http://www.moneoman.gov.om/stat_book/2006/fscommand/english/index.htm). So you can
begin to associate grazing pressure and rainfall with desertification. While correlation does
not show cause and effect, it does indicate a possible relationship between the two variables.
(Read more about grazin in Oman).

2 . Animal Units: A unit of measure used to compare different types of animals. Animal units are calculated by multiplying the
number of animals by an equivalency factor. This factor helps equalize the potential for environmental impacts from animals as
different as cattle, Goat, sheep and camel. For example, the factor for one dairy cow is 1, while one sheep has a factor of 0.2.
That means that 500 sheep would be equivalent to 100 cows, with both groups having 100 animal units.

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