Use of geographic information systems in an environmental impact assessment of an overhead power line
Larkin Warner, R. D. Diab · Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal · 2002
Can geographic information systems (GIS) help in power line route selection in the ecologically sensitive and socially complex area of Kranskop in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa? Transforming data into digital form and preparing layers for the GIS was time-consuming. Weights were assigned to layers using a pairwise comparison matrix, and combined into a single composite cost surface using the multi-criteria evaluation module of the IDRISI GIS package, whose ‘automated’ route selector was unsuccessful, so computer-assisted methods were used. Cost indices, area analysis and impacts of routes were readily compared. Changing weights had no major impact. The views of interested and affected parties influenced our results; how can this best be achieved in future? Positive attributes of GIS are its interactive nature and its overlaying and displaying selected information at relevant times.