Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The rapid pace of urban development has raised concerns about the environmental impact caused by various infrastructural projects. As a result, the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has emerged as a crucial tool for analyzing and mitigating the environmental consequences of urban development. This thesis explores the utilization of GIS in conducting EIA for urban development projects, focusing on its effectiveness in assessing and managing environmental impacts. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of terms related to GIS and EIA in urban development projects. Chapter 2 consists of a comprehensive literature review that examines existing studies, theories, and methodologies related to GIS applications in EIA for urban development. This chapter synthesizes the current body of knowledge to identify gaps and establish the theoretical framework for the research. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and tools used to conduct the GIS-based EIA for urban development projects. The methodology section also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations encountered during the research process. In Chapter 4, the findings of the GIS-based EIA for urban development projects are presented and discussed in detail. The analysis includes the identification of environmental impacts, spatial mapping of vulnerable areas, assessment of risks, and formulation of mitigation strategies using GIS tools. The discussions highlight the effectiveness of GIS in enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and comprehensiveness of EIA for urban development projects. Chapter 5 serves as the conclusion and summary of the thesis, providing a comprehensive overview of the research findings, implications, and recommendations for future studies and practical applications. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of integrating GIS into the EIA process for urban development projects to promote sustainable development practices and minimize environmental degradation. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the application of GIS in EIA for urban development, highlighting its potential to improve decision-making processes, enhance environmental sustainability, and foster informed planning and development practices in urban areas.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Environmental Impact Assessment of Urban Development" aims to investigate the utilization of GIS technology in assessing the environmental impact of urban development projects. This research is motivated by the increasing urbanization and development activities globally, which often result in environmental degradation and sustainability challenges. The integration of GIS technology in environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes has the potential to enhance decision-making by providing spatially explicit data, analysis, and visualization tools. The study will begin with an introduction that highlights the importance of environmental impact assessment in urban development projects and the role of GIS in improving the process. The background of the study will provide a context for understanding the current state of urban development and environmental challenges. The problem statement will address the gaps in existing EIA practices and the limitations of traditional assessment methods in capturing spatial complexities. The objectives of the study include evaluating the effectiveness of GIS in capturing and analyzing environmental data, assessing the significance of spatial analysis in identifying potential impacts, and exploring the limitations and challenges of GIS applications in EIA. The scope of the study will focus on a specific urban development project to demonstrate the practical application of GIS technology in EIA processes. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to sustainable urban development practices by enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of environmental impact assessments. By leveraging GIS capabilities, stakeholders involved in urban development projects can make informed decisions that minimize negative environmental impacts and promote sustainable development. The research methodology will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on GIS applications in EIA and urban development. Data collection methods will include the acquisition of spatial data related to the selected urban development project, which will be analyzed using GIS software. The findings will be presented in chapter four, where the results of the environmental impact assessment conducted through GIS analysis will be discussed in detail. In conclusion, this research project seeks to demonstrate the value of GIS technology in improving environmental impact assessments for urban development projects. By enhancing the spatial analysis capabilities of EIA processes, GIS can facilitate more informed decision-making that considers environmental factors and promotes sustainable urban development practices.