Craig Shephard

Craig Shephard

P2-015 National map of protected cropping systems; P1-027 Australian Tree Crop Mapping

Craig Shephard has over 20 years professional experience in the mapping of landscape attributes – particularly land cover and land use.

Craig previously led the Queensland Land Use Mapping Program, within the Department of Environment and Science. Using remote sensing in combination with field survey techniques, Craig was responsible for the management and administration of the mapping program, managing a team of scientists in the compilation of land use and land use change mapping products. A highlight for the team was winning ‘Best Thematic Map’ at the 2019 Esri International User Conference.

Craig holds a Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Science and Geography from Macquarie University, and is particularly focused on the application of web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Location is the common framework for integrating data to inform decision-making, at multiple scales. Delivering spatial information via web-GIS has opened up the power of spatial data to anyone, on any device.

Specialising in the Esri platform, Craig applies a range of location-based tools (Survey123 and Collector for ArcGIS) to capture spatial data, analyse and compile mapping products in ArcGIS Pro, and using ArcGIS Online and Web App Builder for ArcGIS—deliver spatial information via an ever growing range of web apps. A selection of these can be launched from the AARSC Industry Applications and Maps page www.une.edu.au/webapps.

P1-027 In Progress

Spatially enabling Australian tree crops

The project will be collating industry information such as variety, planting date, management, productivity etc to each established orchard polygon. This collation of information will directly assist market access, traceability, biosecurity response, yield forecasting, carbon storage, regeneration and drought resilience, and will set a new standard for all other agricultural industries.
P2-015 Completed

National map of protected cropping systems

The CRC is collaborating in this Hort Innovation project to provide essential baseline data to support logistical decisions around industry growth, transport, labour, market access, food security, drought resilience, water infrastructure, natural disaster and biosecurity response. This data will also be an essential base layer for many federally supported initiatives including biosecurity, soils, climate resilience and carbon.

National PC mapping team calls for peer review of latest draft maps

The National PC mapping project team is calling for peer review of its draft maps of protected cropping operations across Queensland and much of Northern NSW.

National Protected Cropping map continues to expand

The National Protected Cropping map is expanding, with draft mapping of PC facilities for the Adelaide and Tasmanian growing regions now completed and published online, ready for peer review. 

Meet Craig Shephard: land-use mapping expert

AARSC senior researcher Craig Shephard leads the National PC mapping project, an initiative of Protected Cropping Australia supported by Hort Innovation, UNE, LLSNSW and the CRC. He's also a keen mountain-biker.

Protected Cropping Australia Conference: wet but well attended

Relentless rain did little to dampen the spirits of the estimated 450 delegates, 40 virtual attendees, 60 exhibitors and large CRC-cohort contingent at this year’s PCA conference in Coffs Harbour.

CRC projects on the agenda at 2022 PCA Conference in Coffs

Research leads, PhDs and project collaborators from government and industry are among the CRC-affiliated presenters at this year's PCA Conference.

New map to help safeguard nation’s protected cropping industries

Horticulture Innovation Australia, University of New England's AARSC, Protected Cropping Australia, NSW LLS and Future Food Systems CRC have teamed up to develop a high-tech tool to map Australia's protected cropping facilities, thereby aiding biosecurity preparedness and natural disaster response efforts.
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