Coded T-mark continuums: a graphical method for reporting rangeland monitoring data

In this paper we describe a new method of graphically presenting rangeland monitoring data as coded time-mark continuums. This method aims to provide people with an interest in rangelands (stakeholders) with succinct information, which they need to assess rangeland condition and change. This new method graphs data for indicators of rangeland condition as time or T-marks along gradients or continuums. The ends of these continuums are reference points, which are values for indicators defining highly functional to very dysfunctional rangeland systems. The T-marks for an indicator along its continuum are also coded as to how changes relate to combinations of recent seasonal conditions and longer-term management effects. Codes are based on a two-way matrix combining ‘seasonal quality’ (e.g. rainfall in a specified period relative to the long-term record) and expected responses from land management (i.e. increase, decrease or no change relative to that predicted from seasonal quality). Monitoring data available in the Australian Collaborative Rangeland Information System were used to illustrate the use of coded T-mark continuums. We show succinctly how one indicator changed in two different rangeland regions and how multiple indicators changed within one region.