Analysing the data

Having decided to use some or all of the data, we can then use ASSESS to bring it all together. Each layer is gridded into appropriately sized squares and a value of suitability is attached to each square such that:

1 = suitable 2 = mainly suitable 3 = intermediate 4 = mainly unsuitable 5 = unsuitable

The new soils data of the Murray-Darling Basin Soils Information Strategy makes it possible to use 250 metre-sized squares.

ASSESS then adds the values of all the squares between all the themes to get a sum of suitability. In ASSESS, the lower the sum value for each square the better its suitability.

We can add different layers together or interactively change the suitability values in one or more of the layers. In this way, we build up an understanding of the areas and issues in the Murray-Darling Basin which affect the prospects for growing trees.