Expert judgment is a process for obtaining data directly from experts in response to a technical problem. Expert judgments are part of any SEA process and are used at any stage of the SEA process, particularly when key issues are being identified or when there are significant data gaps.
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SWOT Analysis
SWOT is used as part of the diagnosis of the current situation. It highlights the key internal issues (strengths and weaknesses) and the key external issues (opportunities and threats) that should be considered in the planning or in the assessment process. Usual application within SEA includes analysis context and baseline and identification of constraints (risks) and opportunities (benefits).
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Checklists
A checklist presents a catalog of issues that might be considered when assessing particular types of plans or programs. Checklists can support analysis context and baseline and identification of issues and impacts, but do not offer a very analytical approach to analysis and may encourage neglect of important effects not present in the checklist.
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Matrices
Matrices enable identification or presentation of impacts of proposed development on various elements of the environment, or synergies or conflicts between proposed development and relevant environmental objectives. Matrices belong to the most commonly used tools in SEAs and can be very easily used for identification of effects, presentation of effects, and comparison of alternatives.
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Spatial Analyses (Overlay & GIS)
Spatial analyses illustrate the spatial distribution of relevant issues and impacts. When maps are laid over each other, they can provide a composite picture of the receiving environment, identify potential impacts of future activities, and outline cumulative impacts of different activities.
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Trend Analysis & Extrapolation
Accurate trend analysis is one of the most important aspects of any strategic assessment. In the context of an SEA, it is an interpretation of environmental pressures and changes in the state of the environment, including health, over time, and can assist in predictions of future impacts.
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Networks & Flow Diagrams
Networks and flow diagrams can be used in SEA to illustrate implications of proposed decisions on subsequent decisions and their knock-on effects, and to show a gradual progression from direct immediate effects to indirect, longer-term, or delayed effects.
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Delphi Technique
The Delphi Technique enables identification of prevailing judgment within a large group of experts who do not directly interact with each other. It is used in SEA for identification of effects, assessment of effects, and comparison of alternatives, and enables the participation of experts from geographically dispersed locations.
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Modelling
Models facilitate simulation of environmental impacts. Modelling is generally used in SEA only when other analytical tools would provide insufficient predictions and is applied for assessment of impacts and development and comparison of alternatives.
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Multi-Criteria Analysis
Multi-criteria analysis numerically evaluates alternative options against several criteria and combines these separate evaluations into one overall evaluation. Usual application within SEA includes determination of relative importance of impacts, assessment of impacts, and comparison of alternatives.
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Download the full PDF annex for a detailed description, including advantages and disadvantages, of each tool.
