Comparison of conventional and geo-spatial EIA: A shrimp farming case study

Conventional and geo-spatial Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) techniques are compared using pollution from shrimp farming as a case study. Conventional EIA procedures involved sampling and analysis through site visits. Results are presented as cause–effect–impact matrices. The geo-spatial EIA procedure involved sampling and analysis and fitting mathematical models for the spectral reflectance data obtained from satellite imagery. The mathematical models generated were then used to assess the spread of pollution over large areas, at different time intervals. This analysis showed that the geo-spatial EIA procedure offers advantages such as spatial and temporal variability as compared to conventional EIA procedures.