Assignment #1- Shark Spotters Map assignment PDF

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Assignment #1: shark spotters map - spatial distribution - due on Feb 7...

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Rahmah Aldakkak

GEOG1020_W2022 Assignment #1

101148307

Question #1: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit? mid=18rlTKe38hZcvlHvibY2FYUjm3rfqWu_9&usp=sharing Question #2: There exist two primary types of maps, which are thematic maps and reference maps and the Shark Spotter Sites and Sightings map exhibits both types. Reference maps are used to portray the precise locations of geographic phenomena while utilizing a standard frame of reference like longitude and latitude (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 29). Whereas thematic maps are described as analytical tools used to demonstrate the spatial variation of a specific attribute (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 29). The Shark Spotter map is considered a reference map (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 29), as it shows precise street and neighbourhood information for Cape Town. It also shows topographic features. The Shark Spotters map also utilized a standard frame of reference (latitude and longitude) to illustrate the precise locations of geographic phenomena, which makes it a reference map. The map is also considered a thematic map (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 29) because it examined the spatial distributions and patterns of shark sightings and Sharks Spotter observation sites over a coastline in Cape Town, South Africa. The map I created, as a reference map, is considered a dot map because each dot/ symbol portrays instances of the mapped and researched phenomena (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 30). Question #3: The pattern seems to be relatively clustered (Norton and Mercier, 2019: 18). We can see that groupings of white sharks (rather than individual ones) are seen at different locations on the Shark Spotter beaches (e.g. group of sharks at Clovelly, another group at Muizenberg). This distribution makes a clustered pattern. Such patterns of spatial distributions of white sharks could

Rahmah Aldakkak

GEOG1020_W2022 Assignment #1

101148307

be the result of various factors like migration, environmental conditions, and prey availability. It could also be due to the positioning of Shark Spotter beaches close by the Shark Sighting points. Question #4: The My Maps platform is considered a GIS. Norton and Mercier define a GIS as a computer system that is software and hardware-based, which aids researchers in collecting, storing, displaying and analyzing spatially referenced data by using layered maps (Norton and Mercier,2019: 34). This definition applies to MyMaps, which was used by the Shark Spotters Map to display and store data that references a specific location (i.e. Cape Town) through a layered map. Further, the researchers used MyMaps to integrate layers of spatial data and collect precise information to uncover spatial patterns and distributions, which is a main element of GIS. A GPS receiver is required to collect the length and latitude of both the permanent and temporary Shark Spotter beaches. The receiver provides the precise location of nearly everything on earth through radio signalling to identify permanent and temporary Shark spotter beaches through mathematical networks like latitude and longitude. This helps it reach any specific location on earth. Further, the GPS receiver is necessary to modify the information it collects through using lines of longitude and longitude to attain precise locations. Smartphones can provide data regarding longitude and latitude depending on the positioning of a device through identifying satellite signs, device elevation when using applications like compass. Moreover, phones have apps like the compass that provide them with the longitude and latitude of a location, which provide the user with the exact location. Question #5: Shark Spotters is an innovative research and shark safety organization that has gained international attention due to its way of pro-actively reducing conflict and interactions among

Rahmah Aldakkak

GEOG1020_W2022 Assignment #1

101148307

white sharks and recreational water users. The organization boosts beach safety through applying innovative shark safety measures that lessen the spatial overlap among sharks and people, which reduces the risk of shark bites. One of their main objectives is to provide socially and environmentally responsible shark mitigation efforts at certain beaches in Cape Town. Such measures presumably regulate shark-human interactions and prevent incidents that bring about harm to both sharks and humans. Another goal of the organization is to raise awareness concerning shark conservation and safety and develop a sensible approach to shark-related matters in the public realm. Further, Shark Spotters give precise and current sighting data that help in understanding white shark presence at appropriate beaches and implement shark safety tips that are applicable and raise awareness. The organization has received numerous awards for their innovative and responsible ways of regulating shark-human interactions and most were obtained as a result of their applied research and innovative safety measures. For instance, the organization won the Eco-Innovation Award at the Enviropaedia Eco-Logic Awards in 2014. They received the award for the shark exclusion barrier they installed on Fish Hoek Beach, which was described as an environmentally responsible and monetarily practical solution to an incredibly contentious issue. Shark Spotters are constantly applauded for their ability to create approaches that retain the integrity of shark’s natural habitat while synonymously conserving human-sea-life existence. In line with their objectives, Shark Spotters have also received an award for being the “Top shark bite mitigation measure in Australian review of bather protection technologies” in 2015. Shark Spotters was deemed the top-ranked shark mitigation measure accessible on the market and the only measure that was suitable for instant implementation. These are solely two of Shark Spotters’ awards, as

Rahmah Aldakkak

GEOG1020_W2022 Assignment #1

101148307

they have received many due to their successes in shark and beach safety measures, which means they are achieving their objectives of regulating shark-human conflicts and raising awareness. Question #6: A primary aim mentioned on the Shark Spotters page is to “describe spatial and temporal movements of sharks in South Africa, with special focus in Cape town”. A GIS system that utilizes shark location data obtained temporally can be employed to achieve this goal through identifying the geographical areas wherein sharks are sighted the most and the least over a period of time and through incorporating numerous layers of spatial data to reveal spatial patterns and distributions. The other goal concerning identifying population and sighting trends may be achieved through using GIS through mapping shark spatial locations. Mapping through GIS aids researchers in determining spatial patterns in their exploration for population data, and this data may be utilized in analyzing spatial demographic areas. Further, utilizing GIS in shark location data and analyzing the data over six months helps Shark Spotters identify population sightings and behaviour and examine shark behaviour.

Rahmah Aldakkak

GEOG1020_W2022 Assignment #1

101148307

References: Norton, W. and Mercier. 2019. Human Geography (10th edition), Oxford University press. Shark Spotters. 2020. Shark Spotters, Safety, Education, Research, Conservation. Retrieved from https://sharkspotters.org.za/...