Impact Assessment Process, Measures and Methods

We start with four planning or process models: one for forecasting impacts (the kind usually required by legislation for major projects); one for post-event or post-development IA; one of retrospective assessments of the impacts of events and tourism on a given state of the economy, environment or society; and another for strategic impact assessment (for policies, programmes and strategies). Figure 3.1 compares these models, with the ten steps in the forecasting model being the benchmark. Then a range of generic methods or tools are presented, all of which can be adapted for many possible applications. Most basic is the IA Matrix, generally used to break down a project into its components and identify possible impacts of each. Other generic methods include flowcharts, checklists, mapping, decision trees, scenarios, consultations, forecasting with simulations, and trend analysis. Logic and TOC models have been explained in the previous chapter. Additional methods are discussed in the ensuing chapters, more pertinent to social, cultural, ecological, built-environment or economic impacts.