Wetland Surveys Ireland use the latest GPS survey equipment together with GIS mapping software to produce detailed habitat maps and for the management of spatial data. Our team has recently designed and employed the use of specially designed databases to enable direct digital recording of ecological data and spatial data in the field, thus reducing the time spent collecting and digitising survey data while also improving quality control. In addition, we use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to undertake habitat surveys of remote or inaccesible locations.
By using digital sources such as aerial photographs, published maps and satellite imagery along with field survey results, we produce publication quality digital maps with a high degree of accuracy. Our experienced GIS team have mapped on many different scales from small scale species or plant community distribution to larger scale distribution of habitat types or land-use. Target notes are taken in the field to record observations on habitats and species and general descriptions of various habitats encountered. Habitats are classified in accordance with Fossitt (2000) – A Guide to Habitats in Ireland. Habitat maps are produced in accordance with guidelines issued by the Heritage Council - Best Practice Guidance for Habitat Survey and Mapping (Smith et al. 2011). Our digital maps are produced using ESRI ArcGIS software and are compatible with other GIS software packages including Map Info and AutoCAD.
Wetland Surveys Ireland have particular expertise in surveys of terrestrial wetland habitats including bogs, fens, swamps and marshes. Since 2007 we have undertaken wetland surveys throughout Counties Monaghan, Clare, Sligo, Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, Kerry, Longford, Roscommon and Leitrim on behalf of the relevant local authorities.
As part of this work we have developed GIS datasets showing the distribution of the wetland resource throughout each county and have undertaken field surveys on over 1000 sites. Survey reports have been produced for each site which presents survey data including flora, fauna, habitat maps, land-use and physical characteristics. The ecological interest of each site is evaluated.
The wetland survey data is recorded in a specially designed site database and associated GIS datasets.
In recent years we have also been tasked with surveying and assessing the conservation status and sites containing potential EU Habitats Directive Annex 1 habitats, for a range of larger projects, where our expertise in wetland identification, assessment and conservation evaluation has required our specialist services.
Further details on our recent project experience - Please visit our new website opposite
