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GIS Paves the Way

by Michael J. Gilbrook, Envir. Sci. and GIS Mgr.; HDR Engrg., Inc., Orlando, FL,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1999, Vol. 69, Issue 11, Pg. 34-39


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires an environmental impact assessment study for all Federal-aid transportation improvement projects. NEPA studies evaluate potential effects to both the human and natural environments, and require analysis of large amounts of information in many different disciplines. Geographic information systems (GIS) provide the means to conduct complex NEPA studies more effectively and efficiently. GIS provides advanced modeling capabilities to identify environmentally sensitive areas, automation methods for rapidly quantifying the potential impacts of transportation alternatives, and flexible mapping capabilities to visualize the study's findings. Using GIS can save time and money on NEPA studies, but doing so requires close attention from the project manager to the do's and don'ts of this powerful technology.

Subject Headings: Geographic information systems | Transportation studies | Information systems | Project management | Mapping | Managers | Human and behavioral factors

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