D1n Data and scale issues in SEA
Elsa João, University of Strathclyde, Scotland-UK
Key issues to be addressed
Position Paper:
This topic focuses on how choices of data and scale might affect the results of SEA. The aim is to clarify how best to handle data and scale issues that will lead to the best possible SEA process. Guidelines or guidance related to data and scale for SEA will also be discussed. Key issues for consideration include discussing what comes first: data or issues. Evaluating how much data is enough, what type of data is needed, and how does the disparity in the data availability affect the importance given of different issues. The topic will also discuss what information should be included in databases and who should be responsible for them. Most importantly, the topic will discuss what are the scale effects in SEA (e.g., how the choice of the size of the study area affects the determination of impact significance), and how data collection and scale choice relate to “pragmatic aspects” of SEA, such as budgets and schedules. The topic also links to the concept of tiering, and will discuss what detail is relevant for each SEA tier and if a multi-scale analysis needed instead. The topic will conclude with a discussion on any examples of data and/or scale abuse, and on guidelines or guidance needed regarding data and/or scale for SEA