The Systematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) as a tool in assessing the ecological impact of a rural development programme in an extensive area of the Lowveld of South Africa

Land use cover and the current ecological condition of the natural resource s of a 71,300 ha area were assessed quantitatively and qualitatively. The S ystematic Reconnaissance Flight (SRF) was used to achieve the above within severe time constraints set by the terms of reference for the project. Nort h-south grid lines, spaced 1 and 2 km apart, were flown using a helicopter. Changes in land use classes along flight transects were documented using a Global Positioning System. The coordinates were transformed within a Geogr aphic Information System into land cover values. The SRF with sampling inte nsities ranging from 5.13 to 9.89% yielded a difference of only 0.2% betwee n the estimated cover of sugar cane compared to the known area under sugar cane. The other land cover classes were considered adequately quantified. T he qualitative assessment shows the natural resources to be under severe st rain, in particular within the riparian zone. Recommendations as to future agricultural expansion are made. The SRF was highly cost-effective in achie ving the stated objectives of the project.