| A prototype spatial graphic landscape system for use in personal computers was developed. Spatial characteristics and attributes of a landscape were entered into a geographical information system (ARCINFO) to create a data base. A grazing pressure index was determined by dividing modeled stocking rates after adjustment for percent use lost because of brush density, slope, and distance from water into the initial stocking rate. A subsystem analyzing optimal water site placement in terms of added animal units (AU) and comparative costs of improvement for two different facilities (well and pipeline) was integrated with the modeled stocking rates. An additional subsystem generated locations where optimal profit from land treatments (brush management) could be implemented. The grazing pressure model was validated on two pastures. One contained a single water source and a low degree of complexity while the other was well watered with a high degree of complexity. The model performed well, but appeared to not properly account for effects in areas excluded by barriers. Recommendations are provided for future spatial analysis development. |
