ESM Webtool is launched
The Environmental Sensitivity Mapping (ESM) Webtool is a novel GIS decision-support tool for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and planning processes in Ireland. Bringing together more than 100 public datasets, the tool allows planners to examine environmental considerations within their plan area and create plan-specific environmental sensitivity maps. These maps can help planners anticipate potential land-use conflicts, thus informing the identification of suitable development locations while protecting the environment. As well as its primary use in SEA and planning, the tool will also be useful for a wide range of other sectors and applications.
The ESM Webtool is funded by the EPA and developed and maintained by Dr Ainhoa González at UCD’s School of Geography and Justin Gleeson and Eoghan McCarthy at the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) at Maynooth University. The tool is hosted by OSi on the GeoHive Portal. You can find out more about at www.enviromap.ie.
Congratulations Ainhoa!
Pictured at the launch of the ESM Webtool at the Environment Ireland 2019 (L to R): Tara Higgins (EPA), Eoghan McCarthy (AIRO), Colin Bray (CEO OSi), Justin Gleeson (AIRO), Ainhoa González (UCD), Laura Burke (CEO EPA), Matt Crowe (EPA).
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