Abstract
M.A.
The proposal to build the Gautrain rapid-rail link between Pretoria, Johannesburg and
Johannesburg International Airport was approved in June 2000 by the Gauteng Provincial
Government. It was noted that this particular development could have serious environmental
implications for the area involved. The aim of this research is therefore to identify the most
suitable terrain in order to optimise the rail route alignment with minimal environmental impact.
This will be accomplished by undertaking a terrain suitability analysis.
The different high-speed railway types are discussed and their impact on the environment is
considered, culminating in an evaluation of the background and status of the proposed Gautrain
rapid-rail link. The different approaches to terrain evaluation are discussed in order to draw
conclusions relative to the methodology used in this research. Subsequently the activity
approach as described by Mitchell (1991) and Hugo et al (1997) was chosen as the methodology
to use for this research and the terrain within the study area was classified according to its
suitability for the development of the Gautrain rapid-rail link. A Geographic Information System
(GIS) was utilised to aid in the terrain suitability analysis.
As a result of the analysis an optimised route is proposed and compared to the rail routes
already proposed for the Gautrain rapid-rail link. It is imperative that a terrain suitability analysis
should form part of the preliminary phase of any environmental management cycle as portrayed
in Fuggle & Rabie (1998), in order to identify suitable terrain for the development in question; the
rapid-rail link route should be no exception.