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1 1.10 Application of estuarine and coastal classifications in marine ...

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Box 2. Classifications as thematic maps.<br />

Classifications as thematic maps<br />

Classes <strong>of</strong> environmental data <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g social data with<strong>in</strong> a known<br />

geographical location can be represented as a map to create a spatially<br />

explicit classification schemes or thematic map. This helps to organize,<br />

visualize <strong>and</strong> analyze diverse <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> a systematic, transparent,<br />

cost-effective <strong>and</strong> operationally mean<strong>in</strong>gful way to support efficient<br />

management decision mak<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

• Classes can be a s<strong>in</strong>gle textual descriptor or a numeric value or a<br />

range <strong>of</strong> values <strong>and</strong> can be derived from expert op<strong>in</strong>ion or<br />

numerically through a multivariate group i.e. “cluster group”<br />

based on a statistical classifier or some comb<strong>in</strong>ation<br />

• When mapped, classes are usually composed <strong>of</strong> a number <strong>of</strong><br />

discrete <strong>and</strong> spatially homogeneous units that are assigned to<br />

grid cells or represented as polygons with discrete boundaries <strong>in</strong><br />

a Geographical Information System (GIS)<br />

• The map accuracy, spatial <strong>and</strong> temporal resolution, geographical<br />

extent <strong>and</strong> thematic resolution (i.e. detail <strong>of</strong> the classes) are<br />

important consideration when apply<strong>in</strong>g <strong>classifications</strong> to support<br />

management decision mak<strong>in</strong>g<br />

101

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