Digital EIA - The Increasing Use of GIS The Benefits of Using GIS Tools in the EIA Process Gary Benson GIS Consultant, AECOM Environment
Topics to be considered: 1. What is GIS? 2. What can GIS do/what is it used for? 3. What are the benefits of using GIS in EIA? 4. How can GIS be utilised within EIA? Case studies of applications within AECOM
What is GIS? 1
What is GIS? Geographic Information Systems are a means of storing, managing, manipulating and analysing geographically referenced (spatial) data. Spatial data can include: Points residential dwellings, contamination points, etc. Lines roads, watercourses, etc. Polygons land use parcels, environmental designated areas, etc. All spatial data features have a corresponding record stored within an attribute table.
What is GIS? (continued) GIS manages spatial data in layers. Allows interrogation and analysis of spatial data. What is GIS not? A single software product. A static map.
What is GIS? (continued)
What can GIS do / what is it used for? 2
What can GIS do / what is it used for? GIS can be used as a decision support tool; particularly useful in EIA. Allows the user to visualise and analyse spatial relationships. Enables the user to build a model of the real world, a conceptual design or a combination of the two. Aids the effective dissemination of large spatial datasets to non-gis professionals.
What can GIS do / what is it used for? (continued) Can be used to provide answers to queries, such as: Are there any planning or environmental designations near my site? What is the topography and land use of my site? Which sites have the least constraints to allow development but are close to crucial infrastructure? What are the population demographics surrounding my proposed development? What is the total area of within my proposed development site? How far are the nearest constraints from my proposed scheme?
What are the benefits of using GIS in EIA? 3
What are the benefits of using GIS in EIA? Improves efficiency. Enhances communication. Better informed decision-making. Reduced project costs. Adds value to the EIA process.
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? 4
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? Wide range of applications, such as: Energy Noise modelling Landscape & visual Ecology & biodiversity Archaeology Socio-economics Acoustics Air quality modelling Hydrology Traffic & transportation Ground conditions Planning policy
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Energy projects: Wind farm origination (site finding) multiple sites. Wind farm feasibility site specific. Wind farm EIA detailed site study of potential environmental impacts. Origination Feasibility EIA
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Crocknamona Wind Farm, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Crocknamona Wind Farm, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Crocknamona Wind Farm, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Crocknamona Wind Farm, Co. Tyrone, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland Road scheme EIA: Collation and conversion of a wide range of datasets. Compilation of all the datasets into one coherent GIS database. Dissemination of the most up-to-date info via regularly published interactive GIS workspace to the project team and client, if necessary. Rapid production of cartographic outputs required for the Environmental Statements.
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: A6 Derry to Dungiven Dualling Scheme, N. Ireland
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Tyrone to Cavan 400kV Interconnector, Northern Ireland Overhead power line EIA: Data acquisition and conversion of a vast array of datasets. Detailed and comprehensive physical and ecological constraints mapping. Geospatial analysis was used to help inform the line routeing iteration process. 3D viewshed analysis helped to inform the sensitive Landscape & Visual assessment.
How can GIS be utilised within EIA? (continued) Case study: Tyrone to Cavan 400kV Interconnector, Northern Ireland
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