The Central District in Botswana covers an area of 114,000 square kilometres. Gordon Smith, principal of CCI (Pty) Ltd. at the time, developed an Integrated Land Use plan for the district to ensure highest and best use of the land in the area. Land classifications from the US Department of Agriculture were adapted to the condition found in Botswana. GIS was used to investigate various factors such as carrying capacities, infrastructure, population density, land tenure, environmental conditions, soils, tourism and heritage resources, mineral extraction leases, and land tenure. This information was analyzed to determine where changes in land use could be made to ensure the most efficient use of the land to meet the needs of the area’s residents. The project involved extensive cross-cultural consultation and close collaboration with the local and national governments of Botswana.
