The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 385

TABLE 8.12
The Good and Bad of Geographic Information Systems (Segnestam 2000)

Advantages
● GIS compile and analyze large amount of data from different sources
● GIS provides the only good and simple tool for analyzing interrelated aspects through overlaying data or indicators
● It provides an unrivalled visual tool for communicating spatial data
● GIS visualize data and information at different analytical scales
● GIS is a dynamic tool and can be easily expanded as new data are acquired

Disadvantages
● GIS presentations may imply a quality of data that does not exist
● Original data used in GIS are not always accessible to the reviewer
● Interpolation programs may distort data sets
● Maps may lead the user to think there are causal links that in reality may not exist
● Working with GIS demands resources in terms of money and competent personnel

Table 8.12 . As with most computer analysis the main concern with GIS application is that
generated information easily creates a perception of accuracy that does not rel ect reality.
GIS maps need to be interpreted with an understanding of the input data used in the anal-
ysis, and their accuracy.
GIS-based analyses help to identify site-specii c constraints and opportunities in the reg-
ular scoping effort often prior to the actual site visit. At a minimum, GIS will equip the
EIA practitioner with a set of environmental baseline maps prior to the actual site visit.
The site visit can then also be used to verify data (ground truthing), and to improve envi-
ronmental mapping.
GIS is a highly useful tool for designing i eld investigations, and for presenting envi-
ronmental data during the EIA process. As the mining project evolves, the initial GIS can
easily be expanded to assist environmental monitoring during operation. More impor-
tantly, remote sensing combined with GIS is a powerful tool in documenting environmen-
tal change over time. GIS helps to differentiate land use changes as a direct consequence of
mining, and environmental changes that occur due to other human, or natural, pressures.
In essence, the GIS application in a mining project can be designed as a central knowledge
base that concisely stores, analyses, and communicates environmentally related spatial data
throughout the life of the mine.

The GIS application in a mining
project can be designed as a
central knowledge base that
concisely stores, analyses, and
communicates environmentally
related spatial data throughout
the life of the mine.

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Nairobi.
Clark MJR ed. (2003) British Columbia Field Sampling Manual. Water, Air and Climate
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