Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and photo-manipulation techniques

Abstract

Recently, it becomes common process to implement photo manipulation techniques in Environmental Impact Assessment process. With the benefits and support of computer generated photomontages, EIA can be more flexible and scientifically credible. In the past, conventional media such as maps, plans, illustrations, sections, and physical models have been used. Yet due to technical advances and falling costs, the potential for photo-manipulation has much improved and has been increasingly adopted within the EIA process. The research employs case study as a methodology. Based on a critical review of existing literature, this research explores in particular the issues of credibility, realism and costs of production. The research findings illustrate the importance of the credibility of photomontage, a topic given insufficient consideration within the academic literature. Whereas the realism of visualisations has been the focus of much previous research, the results of the case study. Although visualisations will always be a simplification of reality and their level of realism is subjective, there is still potential for developing guidelines or protocols for image production based on commonly agreed standards. These findings suggest there needs to be a balance between scientific protocols and artistic licence in the production of photomontages. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.