A versatile computerised overlay technique to analyse the capability of relatively constant and objectively measured land characteristics to sustain any defined land use was developed in FORTRAN. The mapped form of each land characteristic is stored in a data base system for subsequent use and overlay by a grid of selected cell size. Existing information is used to derive a capability value for each land characteristic, whose influence upon the overall capability is included by user-defined weighting values. The overall capability of each grid cell. is the weighted mean of the individual capability values of each land characteristic analysed. A foreclosure of options in land use is also performed. A trial run of the procedure illustrated the influence of the selected grid cell size and the weighting value. The value of a versatile capability analysis tool, able to analyse any defined land use for an area of unrestricted size, using weighting values and capability values related to existing, up-to-date information, was seen.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.