Transect mapping is a tool used to
describe the location and distribution of resources,
the landscape and main land uses. It further allow
participants to identify constraints and opportunities
with specific reference to locations or particular
ecosystems situated along the transect.
Once completed, transect maps depict
geographic features (e.g. infrastructure, local
markets, schools) as well as land use types and
vegetation zones, problems and opportunities observed
or perceived along a transect line.
Activities involve walking and mapping
transects with the aim to cover as many of the agro-ecological,
production and social groups along the defined route
as possible.
Transect
maps are useful for stimulating and informing internal
community discussions related to broad-level land-use
patterns, resource distribution, conflicts, problems
and planning. They can also be used to analyze linkages,
transitions, patterns and interrelationships of
land use and different ecological zones along the
transect. While this method is useful for engaging
non-experts at a low cost, it is not as useful when
locational accuracy is important, and it only provides
a limited perspective of the landscape.
