CITIDEP

last update: 6 May 2000

The IMS project (Intelligent Multimedia System) has as its main goal to test and evaluate the utilization of new information technologies (IT) in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review process, that is, in support of the Review Commission's work, and, in particular, of the Public Consultation process. The adopted case for a pilot-experience is the EIA for the proposed CTRSU (Solid Urban Waste Treatment Station) of S. João da Talha.

The chosen approach was to design, implement and use a multimedia software prototype, together with interactive Internet-based tools. The objective of this prototype was to test a set of key ideas on technology and system design (e.g. metadata, knowledge representation, inference engines, intelligent manipulation of digital video segments) and a set of hypothesis on the integration of the use of similar systems in the current work processes (intercommunication, data presentation, acquisition and analysis of expert statements and opinions). The case study has, therefore, a technological analysis component (advantages and deficiencies put in evidence by the use of the prototype and Internet environment) and a processual analysis component (advantages and difficulties in integrating the new IT in today's processes, and in the introduction of innovative models in the evaluation and public consultation processes, enabled by the new IT).

The IMS project is part of Pedro Ferraz de Abreu's Ph.D. thesis research at MIT Urban Studies and Planning Dept.

• Design and programming of the Intelligent Multimedia Prototype and Internet tools;

• Definition of a user-model hypothesis and corresponding information-content, from multiple interviews and literature review;

• Compilation of questions anticipating a FAQ ("Frequently Asked Questions") model, from a panel of experts;

• Collection of respective answers for the FAQ, from formal and informal interviews with decision makers and experts from targeted institutions and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations);

• Publication on Internet WWW of the EIA related FAQ/answers, with Internet-based survey;

• Assisted and non-assisted use of the IMS prototype during review process and public consultation;>

• Field survey during Public Audiences for the EIA review;

• Controlled experiment with opinion survey and knowledge tests, before and after using IMS prototype.

• Evaluation of results.

This system (IMS) is installed and available: at CITIDEP; Ministry of Environment {Sec. of State, IPAMB, DGA, DRARN-LVT}; FCT-UNL; LPN; and GEOTA. Besides several communications and working papers (which can be found on the Internet, at http://www.citidep.pt/ims/), the main published article are:

• Ferraz de Abreu, P., Joanaz de Melo, J. (1999), Introducing New Information Technologies in Public Participation: Technology is the Easy Part, in Public Participation and Information Technologies 1999, CITIDEP & DCEA-FCT-UNL, Lisbon, Portugal. 600 pages, pp 393-405

• Ferraz de Abreu, P., Chito, B, (1997) "Current Challenges in EIA Evaluation in Portugal, and the Role of New Information Technologies: -- The Case of S. João da Talha's Incinerator for Solid Urban Waste", in Machado, J. Reis & Ahern, Jack (eds). 1997. Environmental Challenges in an Expanding Urban World and the Role of Emerging Information Technologies. National Centre for Geographical Information (CNIG), Lisboa, Portugal. 538 pages, pp. 1-11.

Eng. Pedro Ferraz de Abreu, MSc. (Computer Eng., Artificial Intelligence, Planning), Project Coordinator; Prof. João Joanaz de Melo, Ph.D. (Environment), "Society and Institutions" Research Cluster Coordinator; Prof. José Palma, Ph.D. (Psychology), "Society and People" Research Cluster Coordinator; Eng. Ana Teresa Chinita, MSc. (Environment); Dr. Paula Moreno, MSc. (Biology, Ethology); Dr. Nuno Vieira, Lic. (Biology); Dr. Angela Cacciarru, Lic. (Economy); Dr. Sofia Santos, LIc. (Psychology); Eng. Deolinda Revez (Environment); Eng. Jorge Mendonça (Mechanical Eng., Quality Control); Dr. Cristina Rebelo Angelo, Lic. (Communications and Media); Idalina Barradas (Communications and Media, student). Also (non-CITIDEP team members): Eng. Madalena Presumido (Environment); Eng. Paula Gama (Environment); Eng. Luisa Nogueira (Environment); Eng. Maria João Leite (Environment); Dr. Pedro Migueis, M.D. (Medicine, Public Health); Eng. Conceição Pereira (Environment).

pfa at mit.edu

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