The Atlas of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDE Atlas) was released in September 2012 using data collected during 2009-10. There was considerable progress in GDE mapping at the state scale since then, and some data in the GDE Atlas has become superseded. In early 2016 the Bureau, in response to stakeholders' feedback, commenced updating the GDE Atlas by integrating new state datasets to maintain the quality and relevance of this national product.
To update the Atlas, the Bureau collated state and regional GDE datasets from a number of agencies covering the three types of GDEs. Coverage was partial for most states, and datasets were created using a range of methods and no longer nationally consistent.
To convey information about differences in data source, the updated classification clearly distinguishes between pre-existing data from the national assessment and new state datasets, whilst retaining information about the GDE potential. New attributes were added to the data model to capture information about the data source.
Each dataset required a different approach for integration, and consultation with states/territories helped in determining this process. The key steps for each state update were:
By integrating the new state data, retaining information about the data source and highlighting the difference in methodology from the pre-existing national assessment, the quality and relevance of the GDE Atlas is improved. Now users of the GDE Atlas are accessing the most accurate and up-to-date information available for a wide range of uses, including natural resource management and environmental impact assessments.