Savanna Research Unit
GIS Data
The Skukuza GIS Lab is responsible for the acquisition, production, dissemination, maintenance and analysis of geospatial data through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing across SANParks. Our focus is on the parks in the savanna and grassland regions, with special emphasis on Kruger National Park’s (KNP) Scientific Services Division.
The GIS lab makes spatial data available to researchers and the general public based on two data levels; Open data such as tourist information and park boundaries that can be made available to the general public and Operational data, such as management infrastructure and census data that is only available to researchers that have a registered research project with SANParks. GIS-RS data are available in standard vector or raster formats. Some of the categories for which we have data include: boundaries, rainfall, fauna, flora, fire, geology, soils, hydrology, infrastructure, land classifications, topography and heritage sites.
All data needs to be requested using a data user agreement, indicating your project registration number (if applicable) and the data layers you require. There are often differences in availability, scale and currency amongst the various datasets so please be specific about which layer you need. Where possible ask for the data layer by name, for example main rivers rather than hydrology, always specify the data extent and, if applicable, the date ranges for which you require the data.
Speak to your project coordinator, or the GIS Lab directly, for guidance on the available data.
