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Abstract


Paper
GIS in Ecological Impact Assessment of Wetlands
Track: Ecology, Archaeology, and Conservation
Author(s): Bernard Raterman, Martin de Haan, Arthur Meuleman

This paper presents the use of GIS in ecological impact assessment by Kiwa Water Research and Dutch Water companies. Wetlands have become rare in the European community due to desiccation. These are often strongly influenced by groundwater abstraction and drainage of their surroundings. Predicting the effects of water management measures on wet terrestrial ecosystems is an essential element in environmental impact assessment. Knowledge about steering natural processes is used in the expert system NICHE (Nature Impact Assessment of Changes in Hydro-Ecological Systems). Based on several practical applications, the main concepts behind NICHE and how it is implemented in GIS are described.

Bernard Raterman
Kiwa Water Research
Groningenhaven 7
PO Box 1072
Nieuwegein 3430 BB
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 30 6069541
Fax: +31 30 6061165
E-mail: bernard.raterman@kiwa.nl

Martin de Haan
Kiwa Water Research

Nieuwegein
Arthur Meuleman
Kiwa Water Research

Nieuwegein