CommunityViz-Based Prototype Model for Assessing Development Impacts in a Naturalized Floodplain—EmiquonViz

• Published in: Journal of urban planning and development Vol. 132; no. 4; pp. 201 - 210
• Main Authors: Nedović-Budić, Zorica, Kan, Raymond G, Johnston, Douglas M, Sparks, Richard E, White, David C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01.12.2006
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Exact sciences and technology; Project management. Process of design; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Urban development; Script; Prototype; Software development; Decision support system; Implementation; Tourism; Flood plain; Spreadsheet; Geographic information system; Area planning; Economic impact; Planning; Social impact
• ISSN: 0733-9488; 1943-5444
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9488(2006)132:4(201)

We present a prototype spreadsheet-based and geographic information system-based model, EmiquonViz, developed to examine the economic, fiscal, and social impacts of development. The model is designed to facilitate examination of hypothetical scenarios related to introducing recreational use and siting a lodging facility within a naturalized floodplain. In building the model we draw on the ongoing floodplain naturalization efforts in the middle reach of the Illinois River and assume that the new development would amount to a park of at least regional and possibly state stature; it would, therefore, attract nonlocal visitors and generate impacts on the local communities. EmiquonViz is implemented in ArcView 3.3 using the CommunityViz Scenario Constructor extension. Its purpose is to serve as a decision-making tool for planners and other community members concerned with the impact of recreational and tourism-related activities.