WINETECH Technical Yearbook 2019

fields (vineyard blocks) and draw a report containing a range of maps, including high resolution climatic and topographic data (Figure 1). Essentially, TerraClim interpolates weather station/logger point data to produce a continuous climate map (surface) of a region to improve our understanding of the environment in space and time. Easily accessible climate layers enable one to see what is happening at vineyard block level in semi-real-time (Figure 2) or, with the accumulation of this information, on a seasonal or multiyear basis (Figure 3). Furthermore, current seasonal trends can be contextualised against previous seasons

and long-term averages to aid long-term decision-making in the context of climate change. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT While TerraClim is still in the pilot phase, the integration of climate and terrain data in an online web application at a field level is a solid foundation for exciting new developments. Our ultimate goal is to develop a platform that brings researchers, consultants and farmers together to discuss subjects, such as remote sensing, geography, climate and crop responses, to aid adaption to a changing environment and mitigating (possibly even harnessing) its effect on production.

Let data communicate through maps! SUMMARY The purpose of TerraClim is to address one of the main obstacles faced in all agricultural sectors, namely limited access to high-resolution climate and terrain data for mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture. TerraClim presents maps of climatic and geographic datasets presented as a series of dynamic map layers. The maps can be visualised and overlaid for any given area, similar to a geographical information system (GIS). TerraClim has a strong research and development component. This includes frequently updating and ex t end i ng t he c l ima t e and t e r ra i n

databases, automated data collection and interpolation protocol development, as well as extensions of existing logger and weather station networks. This tool allows the wine industry, and the agricultural sector in general, to better understand the complexity of the Western Cape’s climate and terrain at a higher spatial (geographical) resolution for improved adaptation to climate change. This will help producers to stay economically sustainable and to make strategic decisions about future production decisions. TerraClim has been funded by Winetech and seasonal weather data has been provided from iLeaf.

– We encourage anyone to engage with the early (beta) version of the TerraClim website, http://www.terraclim.co.za/ and to give feedback or for more information, contact Tara Southey at tara@sun.ac.za.