Global Technology Influence on the Management of Common Property in Southern Africa

Abstract

"Geographical Information System (GIS) technology is becoming one of the most widely used tools in the management of Common Property today. However in the developed world, trends change rapidly while in the developing world, particularly, Southern Africa, there is a technology lag. The availability of GIS systems and Internet today now offers the most advanced solutions to our tools for managing common property resources cheaply and reliably. In this paper, GIS technology applications in forest conservation, wildlife management, pastures, water resource management and atmosphere are reviewed on the basis of both spatial and non-spatial data. The benefits for integration to users are analysed. The efficiency and effectiveness in making well-informed decisions using visual aids, 3dimensional models that simulate the environment and other tools are determined. Finally, the seamless link of GIS with the TCP/IP based Internet communication technology make universal access and remote management possible."