Contribution of landscape attributes in determining revegetation potential: A geographic information system approach

Successful revegetation at the BHP Robinson Operation, Nevada, U.S.A., involves field studies integrated with satellite imaging and geographic information system technology to determine the most comprehensive, cost-effective strategies to revegetate waste-rock facilities. In this study, satellite image processing was integrated with a geographic information system to determine relationships between topography, soils, and the distribution and abundance of natural vegetation at the 1800 ha mine. Principal components analysis and multiple linear regression related vegetation abundance to landscape biophysical attributes in order to predict the ultimate, optimal distribution of vegetation across mine areas to be reclaimed. This information is being used to establish realistic reclamation goals that reflect the relationships between natural vegetation and the physical environment, thus leading to efficient, cost-effective vegetative reclamation practices.