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Developing an urban sustainability toolbox using earth observation data and GIS for monitoring rapid urbanisation in developing countries

- Musakwa, Walter

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Urban planning , Sustainable urban development , Earth observation , Decision consequence analysis , Geographic Information systems
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4951 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13051
  • Description: Urban planners require data to monitor sustainable urban development. Accordingly this study is a synthesis of a studies by Musakwa (2013) and Musakwa and Van Niekerk (2013) who evaluated the potential of earth observation (EO) for monitoring and modeling sustainable land use in urban centers using Stellenbosch, South Africa as a case study. The unavailability, unreliability, outdatedness and unstandardised nature of urban land use planning data in developing countries was the motivation for the investigation. Many local authorities are inadequately equipped to plan for sustainable development in hyperchanging environments. Because sustainable land use, like sustainable development, are elusive concepts to put into practice in routine decision-making, an emerging structured framework, decision consequence analysis (DCA) was proposed to aid decision making for sustainable urban land use planning. DCA breaks complex problems, such as sustainable urban development, into increasingly smaller units until the particular component can be accurately analysed and understood within the context of the overall problem. Therefore, sustainable urban land use was divided into three themes, namely land use change and land use mix, urban sprawl and the urban built-up area.
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Developing an urban sustainability toolbox using earth observation data and GIS for monitoring rapid urbanisation in developing countries

- Musakwa, Walter, Van Niekerk, Adriaan, Mbinza, A.

Developing a decision support system to identify strategically located land for land reform in South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter, Makoni, E. N., Kangethe, M., Segooa, L.

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter , Makoni, E. N. , Kangethe, M. , Segooa, L.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Land reform - South Africa. , Development planning - South Africa , Geographic information systems - South Africa , Decision support systems
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12547
  • Description: Land reform is identified as a key tool in fostering development in South Africa. With two decades after the advent of democracy in South Africa, the land question remains a critical issue for policy makers. A number of frameworks have been put in place by the government to identify land which is strategically located for land reform. However, many of these frameworks are not well aligned and have hampered the government’s land reform initiative in promoting inclusive development. Strategically located land is herein defined as land parcels that are well positioned for the promotion of agriculture, human settlements, rural and tourism development. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a decision tool which facilitates the identification of strategically located land for development. This study proposes the use of geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) data and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) to develop a spatial decision support system (SDSS) to identify strategically located land for land reform. The SDDS was therefore designed using GIS, EO data and MCDM to create an index for identification of strategically located land. Expert-led workshops were carried out to ascertain criteria for identifying strategically located land and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was utilised used to weight the criteria. The study demonstrates that GIS and EO are invaluable tools in facilitating evidence-based decisions for land reform. However, there is need for capacity building on GIS and EO in government departments responsible for land reform and development planning. The study suggests that there is an urgent need to develop sector specific criteria for the identification of strategically located land for inclusive development.
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Monitoring Urban Sprawl and Sustainable Urban Development Using the Moran Index: A Case Study of Stellenbosch, South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter, Van Niekerk, Adriaan

The impact of the legislations used to regulate spatial planning and land use management in South Africa

- Dlamini, Nokhukanya, Musakwa, Walter

The use of social media in the Gautrain in Gauteng Province, South Africa : analysis and lessons learnt

- Musakwa, Walter

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Public transit systems - South Africa - Gauteng , Social media - South Africa - Gauteng , Gautrain (South Africa)
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11801
  • Description: The use of public transit systems is still in its infancy in Gauteng, South Africa. Commuters still prefer using private motor vehicles. However the introduction of the first efficient high speed train in Africa (The Gautrain) during the 2010 World Cup was thought to change perceptions of the public on transit systems. The Gautrain was also thought to enhance Johannesburg as a smart city. Social media has proved to be useful in proving user information, which can be use to improved services. The study is an exploratory study, which analyses how commuters feel on the effectiveness of the Gautrain by analysing posts on social media before and after completion of construction of the Gautrain system. Emerging findings reflect that although the Gautrain has positively changed the publics’ perception on public transit systems, the Gautrain system still needs to be improved for the South African public to embrace fully public transit systems.
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Earth observation for sustainable urban planning in developing countries: needs, trends, and future directions

- Musakwa, Walter, Van Niekerk, Adriaan

Monitoring sustainable urban development using builtup area indicators: a case study of Stellenbosch, South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter, Van Niekerk, Adriaan

The strategically located land index support system for human settlements land reform in South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter, Tshesane, Rebone M., Segooa, Lerato Raesetsa, Makoni, Eric N., Kangethe, Matheri

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter , Tshesane, Rebone M. , Segooa, Lerato Raesetsa , Makoni, Eric N. , Kangethe, Matheri
  • Date: 2015-07-07
  • Subjects: Human settlements - South Africa , Land reform - South Africa , Geographic information systems , Earth observation , Multi-criteria decision making
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5229 , ISBN 9780692474341 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14572
  • Description: Creating sustainable human settlements is fundamental in fostering spatial and socio-economic integration in South Africa. Policy makers are often faced with the problem of identifying strategically located land for human settlements land reform in South Africa. To date there is no tool or standard framework that assist the government to identify land that is strategically located for land reform. This study proposes the use of geographic in- formation systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) data and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) to develop a strategically located land index (SLLI) deployed in a web viewer to identify land that is smart for human settlements land reform. The study demonstrates that using the GIS and EO and the GIS webserver are invaluable tools in facilitating streamlined, coordinated, standardised and evidence-based decisions for human settle- ments land reform. However, there is need for capacity building in government departments responsible for land reform and development planning.
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Implementation of a science-action partnership to manage a threatened ecosystem in an urban context

- Musakwa, Walteressica, Rouget, Mathieu, Musakwa, Walter, Smit, A.J., Slotow, Rob, Roberts, D., Boon, R., Douwes, E., O'Donoghue, S., Downs, C.T., Murkherjee, Shomen, Mwabvu, Tarombera, Odindi, John, Odindo, Alfred, Prochess, Serban, Ramdhani, Syd, Murkherjee, J.Ray, Naidoo , S., Schoeman, M.C., Wale, Edilegnaw, Willows-Munro, S.

Mapping cycling patterns and trends using strava metro data in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter, Selala, Kadibetso M.

Using crowdsourced data (Twitter & Facebook) to delineate the origin and destination of commuters of the Gautrain public transit system in South Africa

- Moyo, Thembani, Musakwa, Walter

  • Authors: Moyo, Thembani , Musakwa, Walter
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Origin and destination , Geo-location data , Commuters , Kriging , Density
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/94035 , uj:20422 , Citation: Moyo, T. & Musakwa, W. 2016. Using crowdsourced data (Twitter & Facebook) to delineate the origin and destination of commuters of the Gautrain public transit system in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: The study of commuters’ origins and destinations (O_D) promises to assist transportation planners with prediction models to inform decision making. Conventionally O_D surveys are undertaken through travel surveys and traffic counts, however data collection for these surveys has historically proven to be time consuming and having a strain on human resources, thus a need for an alternative data source arises. This study combines the use social media data and geographic information systems in the creation of a model for origin and destination surveys. The model tests the potential of using big data from Echo echo software which contains Twitter and Facebook data obtained from social media users in Gauteng. This data contains geolocation and it is used to determine origin and destination as well as concentration levels of Gautrain commuters. A krigging analysis was performed on the data to determine the O-D and concentration levels of Gautrain users. The results reveal the concentration of Gautrain commuters at various points of interest that is where they work, live or socialise. The results from the study highlight which nodes attract the most commuters and also possible locations for the expansion for Gautrain. Lastly, the study also highlights some weakness of crowdsourced data for informing transportation planning. (208)
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Applicability of R statistics in analyzing landslides spatial patterns in Northern Turkey

- Althuwaynee, Omar F., Musakwa, Walter, Gumbo, Trynos, Reis, Selçuk

  • Authors: Althuwaynee, Omar F. , Musakwa, Walter , Gumbo, Trynos , Reis, Selçuk
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Landslides , Spatial pattern , G-f functions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/256044 , uj:26871 , Citation: Althuwaynee, O.F. et al. 2017. Applicability of R statistics in analyzing landslides spatial patterns in Northern Turkey.
  • Description: Abstract: Statistical analysis of rainfall-triggered landslides inventory is a key for landslide hazard and risk prediction analysis of susceptible areas, also, it acts as a vital input into current/future development plans of decision makers. The main objective of the study is to test if the inventory locations has spatial auto-correlation; that could either be clustering (spatial attraction), dispersed or random distribution (spatial independency). Two categories of spatial distance functions were applied, first using, first-order distance analysis using Quadrat Counts function and kernel density analysis. Second category, used second order distance analysis includes Diggle’s empty space F-function and nearest neighbor distance G-function, and also, more sophisticated Ripley’s K-function, which evaluates the distribution of all neighbor distances within the space taking in consideration the edge correction effect. Based on the generated curves by the G, F and K functions, we observed that landslides locations clearly tend to be clustered in certain areas rather than randomly distributed. Eventually, Moran’s I autocorrelation function used to find where the highest amount of landslides are clustered using four conditioning factors (Elevation, Slope, Land-cover and Geology).This study illustrations and confirm the landslides distribution pattern in most landslide prone area of Trabzon city, northern turkey. The current study aims to facilitate the integration between spatial data and the coding in R environment through using an extensive research libraries and tools.
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Data on strategically located land and spatially integrated urban human settlements in South Africa

- Musakwa, Walter

Smart cities in South Africa! a case of misplaced priorities?

- Musakwa, Walter, Mokoena, Baleseng. T.

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter , Mokoena, Baleseng. T.
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: Englsh
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/244608 , uj:25298 , Citation: Musakwa, W. & Mokoena, B.T. 2017. Smart cities in South Africa! a case of misplaced priorities?.
  • Description: Abstract: The ‘smart cities concept’ has emerged as a defining and dominant discourse in urban planning. This discourse has permeated through to most South African metropolitan cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. Nevertheless, the question remains, do we really need smart cities in South African and other cities in Africa mired in poverty and inequality juxtaposed with wealth and un-paralleled information and communications infrastructure? This study argues that although the smart cities concept is a noble and viable approach, it often leads to undesired outcomes in South Africa because urban managers have hastily applied the smart futures approach. Moreover, what the people really want is not smart cities but an end to poverty, inequality and poor living conditions. If this drive towards smart cities continues unabated it will further entrench spatial segregation and inequality which where the hallmarks of apartheid planning in South Africa. Perhaps what is needed is a rethink of the smart cities concept, one that has been readapted and redefined to suit South Africa and developing countries in general, rather than imitating the developed world. A smart city strategy that meets citizen’s needs is also needed.
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The potential of social media to demarcate the catchment of commuters of the Gautrain public transit system

- Moyo, Thembani, Musakwa, Walter

  • Authors: Moyo, Thembani , Musakwa, Walter
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Web 2.0 , Gautrain (South Africa) , Commuters , Social media
  • Language: English
  • Type: Conference proceedings
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/218279 , uj:21754 , Citation: Moyo, T. & Musakwa, W. 2017. The potential of social media to demarcate the catchment of commuters of the Gautrain public transit system.
  • Description: Abstract: The paper systematically analyses the phenomena of being smart in light of the growth of information and communications technology being incorporation into urban development. In a setting where technological advancements are taking hold of every aspect of peoples’ lives this paper explores the potential of geographical location data derived from social media platforms can be used to demarcate the catchment area of the Gautrain. The study demonstrates how social media data can be used to analyse the variations in the catchment area of the various nodes with the Gautrain system, with the use of word counts and linguistic measures to interpret posts made on web 2.0. Consequently the users’ opinions about the Gautrain were used to interprete the variations in volumes of commuters over a 6 month period. The results of the study will assist in identifying areas of potential expansion and areas in need of intervention, hence highlighting points of interest within Gauteng catchment area.
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Landscape change and its drivers : a Southern African perspective

- Musakwa, Walter, Wang, Shuai

  • Authors: Musakwa, Walter , Wang, Shuai
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/374137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/280005 , uj:30080 , Citation: Musakwa, W. & Wang, S. 2018. Landscape change and its drivers : a Southern African perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: Global environmental change is of immense importance as it shows how humans relate with nature. Within global environmental change debate landscape change analysis is a crucial cog as it expresses how humans relate with the land. Comprehending landscape changes, and its drivers are crucial in forging policies that can mitigate against negative effects of global environmental change. Research on the spatial component of mapping landscape change through land use and land cover maps is well documented in the literature. However, understating the drivers of landscape change remains poorly understood particularly from developing countries in Africa. The main drivers of landscape change in Southern Africa, are mainly attributed to local causes and global causes. The challenge is how one can adequately comprehend these drivers so as to develop sound land management practices. A framework that is transdisciplinary and that leverages on big data is proposed for the effective modeling and management of landscapes in Southern Africa.
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No one-size-fits-all organizational solution : learning from rapid rail developments in Ethiopia and South Africa

- Musonda, Innocent, Gumbo, Trynos, Bwanyire, Boniface, Musakwa, Walter, Okoro, Chioma, Gil, Nuno

Ecotourism, past, current and future perspectives : a bibliometric review between 2001 to 2018

- Shasha, Ziphozakhe Theophilus, Huaping, Sun, Geng, Yong, Musakwa, Walter, Tian, Xu, Zhong, Shaozhuo

  • Authors: Shasha, Ziphozakhe Theophilus , Huaping, Sun , Geng, Yong , Musakwa, Walter , Tian, Xu , Zhong, Shaozhuo
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Ecotourism , Green travel , Low carbon tourism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/438742 , uj:38145 , Citation: Shasha, Z.T. et al. 2020. Ecotourism, past, current and future perspectives : a bibliometric review between 2001 to 2018.
  • Description: Abstract: Ecotourism is natural based travel that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local communities, and involves environmental interpretation and education. A number of literature reviews have been published focusing on specific aspects of the ecotourism market segmentation, ecological impacts of wildlife viewing, and community-based ecotourism, but there has been minimal attention to critical areas such as quality control, the industry, external environments or institutions. In order to further promote related studies, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review on ecotourism so that recent research progresses can be summarized and future research directions can be identified. Accordungly, this paper aims to conduct a bibliometric review on ecotourism to glean the past, current and future perspectives on ecotourism. Based on 1,889 articles published from 2001 to 2018 and searched from Web of Science, a systematic method combining bibliometric analysis and network analysis is applied to uncover the dynamic trends, academic collaboration and research hotspots. Results show that the overall publication quantity had been gradually improved. The key journals include Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, Conservation Biology and Biological Conservation. Authors from USA have the most publications and international co-authorships, followed by Australia and England, while the most influential institution is the Chinese Academy of Science followed by Griffith University. Moreover, research keywords have been identified, including ecotourism, management, biodiversity, national park, sustainability and sustainable tourism. In order to further improve research in this field, it is crucial to combine different methods so that more innovative perspectives can be presented. Research findings from this study will provide limitations, and suggestions for future research.
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Estimation of woody plant species diversity during a dry season in a savanna environment using the spectral and textural information derived from WorldView-2 imagery

- Fundisi, Emmanuel, Musakwa, Walter, Ahmed, Fethi B., Tesfamichael, Solomon G.

  • Authors: Fundisi, Emmanuel , Musakwa, Walter , Ahmed, Fethi B. , Tesfamichael, Solomon G.
  • Date: 2020
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/435727 , uj:37768 , Citation: Fundisi E, Musakwa W, Ahmed FB, Tesfamichael SG (2020) Estimation of woody plant species diversity during a dry season in a savanna environment using the spectral and textural information derived from WorldView-2 imagery. PLoS ONE 15(6): e0234158. https://doi.org/ 10.1371/journal.pone.0234158
  • Description: Abstract: Remote sensing techniques are useful in the monitoring of woody plant species diversity in different environments including in savanna vegetation types. However, the performance of satellite imagery in assessing woody plant species diversity in dry seasons has been understudied. This study aimed to assess the performance of multiple Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrices (GLCM) derived from individual bands of WorldView-2 satellite imagery to quantify woody plant species diversity in a savanna environment during the dry season. Woody plant species were counted in 220 plots (20 m radius) and subsequently converted to a continuous scale of the Shannon species diversity index. The index regressed against the GLCMs using the all-possible-subsets regression approach that builds competing models to choose from. Entropy GLCM yielded the best overall accuracy (adjusted R2: 0.41−0.46; Root Mean Square Error (RMSE): 0.60−0.58) in estimating species diversity. The effect of the number of predicting bands on species diversity estimation was also explored. Accuracy generally increased when three–five bands were used in models but stabilised or gradually decreased as more than five bands were used. Despite the peak accuracies achieved with three–five bands, performances still fared well for models that used fewer bands, showing the relevance of few bands for species diversity estimation. We also assessed the effect of GLCM window size (3×3, 5×5 and 7×7) on species diversity estimation and generally found inconsistent conclusions. These findings demonstrate the capability of GLCMs combined with high spatial resolution imagery in estimating woody plants species diversity in a savanna environment during the dry period. It is important to test the performance of species diversity estimation of similar environmental set-ups using widely available moderate-resolution imagery.
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