Developing a framework to support sustainable development decision-making through integrating Geographic Information Systems into the entire environmental impact assessment process

The physical environment in which our inhabitant and continuing existence depends on has limited resources. Therefore, current generations are responsible for using these resources efficiently, to achieve their objectives without compromising those of future generations. Rapid development and ill-informed decisions usually cause indefinable environmental degradation and ecological deterioration. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is viewed as one of the most effective and advanced ways of improving environmental management. The EIA study supports achieving the objectives of developmental project while minimizing the negative impacts on the environment and human health. In developing countries, EIA is seldom used as a decision-making tool due to the complexity of the assessment and the urgent need for development. EIA is considered a time consuming process, mainly due to difficulties in gathering information from various sources. In addition, the dynamic characteristics and multivariate nature of the environment, which often makes it difficult to collate, analyse and interpret its datasets. Overcoming these difficulties can be achieved through the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies. GIS with their capability to visually display and spatially assess information have the potential to support the EIA process.This research aims to investigate the integration of GIS into the entire EIA process towards supporting sustainable development decision-making. The methodology adopted to accomplish this aim is composed of four phases, which represent the research structure. Firstly, to plan the research approach to achieve the research objectives, by identifying the research context. Secondly, to implement the designed plan by building in-depth understanding of the research topic through intensive literature reviews on EIA and GIS main concepts.