Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Mapping for Port Phillip and Westernport CMA

Potential Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) are identified across Victoria using a GIS overlay model integrating satellite remote sensing, geological, and groundwater monitoring data. The dataset specifically covers the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority area and was produced by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The mapping, last updated in April 2026, represents a statewide screening analysis to flag ecosystems likely dependent on groundwater.

Use Cases

• Prioritizing field validation sites based on potential GDE locations identified by the model.
• Assessing landscape-scale risk from groundwater pumping based on mapped potential GDE polygons.
• Integrating potential GDE layers with other geospatial data for regional environmental planning.
• Studying correlations between vegetation growth patterns and groundwater access in summer dry periods.

Strengths

• Model integrates multiple data sources: satellite remote sensing, geological data, and groundwater monitoring.
• Provides a first-step, statewide screening analysis for potential groundwater dependent ecosystems.
• Dataset is licensed under CC-BY-4.0, allowing for broad reuse.

Limitations

• Validation through field assessment has not been performed, as stated in the description.
• The methodology is expected to overestimate the extent of terrestrial GDEs.
• The core data used in the modelling is largely from circa 1995 to 2005.

Provenance

Source

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action via data.gov.au

Collection Method

GIS overlay model utilizing satellite remote sensing data, geological data, and groundwater monitoring data.

Time Range

Core modelling data largely circa 1995 to 2005.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-08 21:37:24.848992

Geography

Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area, Victoria, Australia.