Regional Ecosystem And Landscape Mapping

The Regional Ecosystem And Landscape Mapping (REALM) program aims to provide consistent map information.

These maps will show where different ecosystems are and the plants, soils and landforms that make them unique.

This data will help you better understand the different environments and habitats in the Northern Territory (NT).

How will REALM help

REALM is crucial to understanding and implementing sustainable management of NT’s environments.

It will show the extent and type of plants, soils and landscapes.

By using the data, you will be able to make informed decisions about:

• conservation and biodiversity
• sustainable land use
• ecologically sustainable development.

What will REALM do

• Map and model natural resources at regional, sub-regional and landscape scale.
• Support better understanding of our environment, leading to better management.
• Support agencies deliver their function as regulators and service providers.
• Support land owners and land managers  in management and planning decisions.
• Be used to identify regional economic potential and protect key environmental assets.
• Provide accurate and usable data sets, consistent with other Australian jurisdictions.
• Address current inconsistencies in existing land resource map information.

Mapping framework

The framework is a 5-tier hierarchy which stratifies and classifies the Northern Territory landscapes. There is a sixth level to represent field sites providing the on-ground detail.

Organising the landscapes into this hierarchy caters for Territory-wide perspectives down to local detail. The hierarchy provides options for different levels of engagement for users and contributors, depending on what they want to know (or contribute) or the level of detail that is relevant to them.

The objective is to develop a comprehensive and versatile information and knowledge system that best represents the landscape and ecosystems.

Regional Ecosystem And Landscape Mapping Framework

REALM Regions - level 1

The REALM Regions stratify the NT landscapes at the broadest level of detail and are largely defined by their geomorphology. There are 31 regions described across the Territory.

The NT REALM Regions level 1 are a progression from previous state and territory regionalisation’s for Australia.

REALM Regions level 1.

What we are working on now

• NT level 2 sub-regional mapping
• Level 5 mapping in the Pine Creek REALM Region.

Where do we get the mapping data

To download the spatial data, go to NR Maps.

Contact

For more information, email realm@nt.gov.au, call 8999 4470 or 0458 317079.