The Environmental Advisory Service (EASe): a decision support system for comprehensive screening of local land-use development proposals and comparative evaluation of proposed land-use plans

The Environmental Advisory Service (EASe) is a decision support system which can provide assistance to local planning agencies in selecting land-development alternatives or in formulating land-use plans. EASe offers a comprehensive and consistent procedure for rating either a development proposal or a proposed plan. This procedure is based upon qualitative assessments of the impact of developments or plans on the natural environment, zoning and land use. public and private services, transportation and parking, the local economy, aesthetics and urban design, and public perception. To assist in the rating process, EASe provides guidance in seeking information needed for qualitative impact assessment. In addition, EASe establishes a framework for the disposition of proposed plans or development proposals, based upon their respective ratings. In this paper are described the design, development, and microcomputer implementation of EASe.