摘要
The Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment （LILA） facility is a unique physical model of the Everglades ecosystem. LILA has a closed-loop water delivery system and consists of four 0.08 square kilometer （-8 ha） macrocosms, created to be replicates of one another and of the Everglades landscape. Built in 2003, LILA＇s purpose is to provide scientists with an opportunity to design and implement research concerning Everglades restoration techniques in an accessible, controlled and replicated Everglades environment. Key Everglades habitats were sculpted within LILA： tree islands, ridges, sloughs and alligator holes. Water levels and flows in each macrocosm are controlled independently, so that researchers can study the effects of hydrology on Everglades landscape and ecology. Studies have focused upon measuring survival and growth of native trees planted on the tree islands; measuring surface water and ground water movement and chemistry; studying wading bird feeding and the movement of prey species （crayfish）; and measuring erosion and accretion on tree islands and ridges. We developed a Geographic Information System （GIS） data set to identify, characterize, and spatially reference the features of LILA and document research activities. This development included mapping the boundaries of the landscape features, creating a theoretical Digital Elevation Model （DEM） and describing the research projects being carried out. The creation of this GIS data set enhances the ability to schedule and coordinate research, assist scientists in the visualization and spatial representation of their research, and provide a resource for the storage, analysis and synthesis of valuable scientific information.
