title: Small-scale field mapping of lichen distribution in three dimensions with a computer-based position-tracking system.
abstract: A trial was undertaken with an electromagnetic position-tracking (Tracker) system by mapping a small section of a lichen habitat near Cape Royds, Ross Island, Antarctica. This method facilitated the simultaneous collection of precise information about both the topography of the site and the distribution of lichen species. These data were used to produce accurate maps and three-dimensional reconstructions of the mapped area. The technique offers considerable savings in time over conventional methods used in plant and lichen surveys, and has potential to enhance the information collected from broader-scale transect surveys.
authors.affiliation: The Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand Limited, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand e-mail: broomf@hort.cri.nz, Fax: +64-7-8584700, , , , , , NZ.
authors.forename: F D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Broom
authors.affiliation: Department of Earth Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand, , , , , , NZ.
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Parkinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Private Bag 3105, Hamilton, New Zealand, , , , , , NZ.
authors.forename: T G A
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: Australian Antarctic Division, Channel Highway, Kingston 7050, Tasmania, Australia, , , , , , AU.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Seppelt
keywords: Key words Electromagnetic Tracker; Species composition; Species distribution; Three-dimensional mapping; Topography