Visual programming languages as a tool to identify and communicate the effects of a development project evaluated by means of an environmental impact assessment

One of the most important requisites in environmental impact assessments (EIAs) is that the evaluation and communication of impacts must be done with objectivity and transparency. Traditional methods as checklists, matrices, geographic information systems (GISs), and cause–effect diagrams fail to reach this objective because, in general, it is difficult to follow the assumptions and rationale behind the evaluation process. In this paper, we show how the use of visual programming languages (VPLs) is a useful tool that can enhances the quality of these studies. The pros and cons of this approach are evaluated based on a study case of a thermoelectric generation plant.