Enhancing Local Land Use Enhancing Local Land Use DecisionsDecisionsthrough thethrough the

Evaluation and Use of Evaluation and Use of

Web-based ToolsWeb-based Tools

Matthew Murrell and Dana Lucero Science Information Services Section

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

We will coverWe will cover

Decision Support Tools DNR Involvement Tool Evaluation Future Efforts

Decision Support ToolsDecision Support Tools

Provide a framework that integratesProvide a framework that integratesrelevant information or datarelevant information or datagraphical interfacegraphical interfacerange of modeling toolsrange of modeling tools

Facilitate decisions by supporting a Facilitate decisions by supporting a process that is process that is iterativeiterative, , integrativeintegrative, , and and participativeparticipative..

Five Types of ToolsFive Types of Tools

1. Data access1. Data access

2. Data provision2. Data provision

3. Interactive data mapping3. Interactive data mapping

4. Data analysis4. Data analysis

5. Predictive modeling5. Predictive modeling

INFORMATIONAL INFORMATIONAL PREDICTIVEPREDICTIVE

Range of Decision Support ToolsRange of Decision Support Tools

Data Data InteractiveData Data Interactiveaccess provision data mappingaccess provision data mapping

Simple data PredictiveSimple data Predictive analysis modelinganalysis modeling

Data Access & Data Data Access & Data Provision ToolsProvision Tools

ATRI Meta Data ExplorerATRI Meta Data Explorer

Interactive Data Mapping Interactive Data Mapping ToolsTools

ATRI Internet Mapping FunctionATRI Internet Mapping Function

Simple Data Analysis & Simple Data Analysis & Predictive Modeling ToolsPredictive Modeling Tools

CITYgreenCITYgreen

For ExampleFor Example

Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment Model (L-THIA) Assessment Model (L-THIA) www.lgean.orgwww.lgean.org

GeneratesGenerates estimated runoff volumes & depthsestimated runoff volumes & depths expected nonpoint source pollution expected nonpoint source pollution

loadings to waterbodiesloadings to waterbodies

L-THIA User InterfaceL-THIA User Interface

L-THIA User L-THIA User InterfaceInterface

InputsInputs

L-THIA User InterfaceL-THIA User Interface

Outputs

L-THIA L-THIA User User InterfaceInterface

Decision Support Tools Decision Support Tools Can...Can...

Help people make connections between Help people make connections between land use decisions and natural land use decisions and natural resourcesresources

Highlight consequences of projected Highlight consequences of projected land use change(s)land use change(s)

Empower those with otherwise limited Empower those with otherwise limited resourcesresources

Decision Support Tools Decision Support Tools Can...Can...

Be cost effectiveBe cost effective

Increase the capacity of decision-Increase the capacity of decision-makersmakers

Raise the level of discussion at the Raise the level of discussion at the local levellocal level

Using Decision Support Using Decision Support Tools*Tools*

Use tools from the beginning Use tools from the beginning Tools selection must be based upon Tools selection must be based upon

users’ skill levelusers’ skill level low-tech, free for beginnerslow-tech, free for beginners state-of-the-art, complex, time consuming state-of-the-art, complex, time consuming

for expertsfor expertsTools shouldn’t steal the showTools shouldn’t steal the show

* Information taken from our partner Doug Miskowiak, UW-* Information taken from our partner Doug Miskowiak, UW-Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education per interview on Stevens Point Center for Land Use Education per interview on May 30, 2003May 30, 2003

Problems to OvercomeProblems to Overcome

No single tool perfect for everythingNo single tool perfect for everythingTechnology only as good as Technology only as good as

supporting datasupporting data

Reasons for DNR Reasons for DNR Involvement in Land UseInvolvement in Land Use

Land Use is a DNR priorityLand Use is a DNR priority We are a landowner and neighbor in many We are a landowner and neighbor in many

communities.communities. A proactive approach can encourage A proactive approach can encourage

better natural resource management and better natural resource management and protection.protection.

Comprehensive Planning LawComprehensive Planning Law– A plan for every community by 2010A plan for every community by 2010– Directions for state agency involvementDirections for state agency involvement– Provides a framework for a plan - 9 Provides a framework for a plan - 9

elementselements

Reasons for DNR Reasons for DNR Involvement in Land UseInvolvement in Land Use

Supporting Land Use Supporting Land Use DecisionsDecisions

WI DNR recognizes that land use WI DNR recognizes that land use decisions are decisions are under the under the jurisdiction of local governmentsjurisdiction of local governments..

Supporting Land Use Supporting Land Use DecisionsDecisions

Overall GoalsOverall Goals– Elevate the level of discussion Elevate the level of discussion – Inform land use decisionsInform land use decisions– Empower local decision-makersEmpower local decision-makers– Protect the environmentProtect the environment

Create a role for decision support Create a role for decision support and impact assessment tools.and impact assessment tools.

Changing Changing Landscapes:Landscapes:

Anticipating the Effects of Anticipating the Effects of Local Land Use DecisionsLocal Land Use Decisions

March 31 & January March 31 & January 22-April 1, 2003 23, 22-April 1, 2003 23,

20042004

Held inHeld inMadison, WIMadison, WI

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes

Workshop BackgroundWorkshop Background

GoalsGoals Introduce audience to decision support Introduce audience to decision support

and impact assessment tools and impact assessment tools Evaluate tools on several measuresEvaluate tools on several measures Assess which tools would be most useful Assess which tools would be most useful

to decision-makersto decision-makers

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes

Workshop BackgroundWorkshop BackgroundDiverse partner groupDiverse partner group

State agenciesState agencies EPA Region 5EPA Region 5 University and ExtensionUniversity and Extension NGOs and non-profitsNGOs and non-profits

Target audienceTarget audience Those who work with or advise local Those who work with or advise local

decision-makers and the public on land decision-makers and the public on land use issuesuse issues

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes Workshop StructureWorkshop StructureTen decision support tools were Ten decision support tools were

evaluatedevaluated L-THIAL-THIA PlaceITPlaceIT Window to My Window to My

EnvironmentEnvironment Digital WatershedDigital Watershed What if?What if?

CommunityVizCommunityViz Dane IndexDane Index TURMTURM CITYgreenCITYgreen Assessing the Assessing the

Impacts of Impacts of DevelopmentDevelopment

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes Workshop StructureWorkshop Structure

Evaluation forms assessed end-user Evaluation forms assessed end-user opinions opinions usefulnessusefulness cost-effectivenesscost-effectiveness applicabilityapplicability

Established a feedback loop to Established a feedback loop to developers for tool refinement and developers for tool refinement and innovationsinnovations

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes Evaluation FormEvaluation Form

Windows to my Environment

Your Name: (optional)Your Organization/Agency: (optional)

Please categorize your organization: (required) State Agency Nonprofit University Local Government Private Firm Other:

Use the following measurements to help you answer the questions on the back of this responseform.

COST1 2 3 4 5

No investment Start up cost Continued investment

KNOWLEDGE LEVEL1 2 3 4 5

Little to no technical expertiserequired

Some learning or expertise required Significant level of technicalexpertise required

DATA1 2 3 4 5

Minimum data required to use tool Some data gathering orcustomization required to use tool

Significant amount of data orcustomization required to use tool

STAFFING1 2 3 4 5

No staff commitment for user Some level of staff commitment Continued staff commitment for user

PLATFORM REQUIREMENTS1 2 3 4 5

Minimal technologies required to usetool (i.e., internet access)

Software required to use tool(i.e., ArcView)

Software and equipment dedicatedto tool

VALIDITY1 2 3 4 5

The tool’s assumptions and premisesare clear

Some clarification is needed The tool’s assumptions and premisesare unclear

TRANSPARENCY1 2 3 4 5

I understand how the tool is functioning Some clarification is needed I am unclear as to how the tool isfunctioning

UNDERSTANDABILITY1 2 3 4 5

I understand the tool’s product Some clarification is needed I don’t understand the tool’s product

SCOPE: SITE SPECIFIC1 2 3 4 5

Not appropriate for microanalysis(i.e., parcel or site plan)

Some ability to analyze site specificinformation

Well-suited for microanalysis(i.e., parcel or site plan)

SCOPE: BROAD APPLICATION1 2 3 4 5

Not appropriate for broad analysis(i.e., regional or resource specific)

Some ability to analyze broad levelinformation

Well-suited for broad analysis(i.e., regional or resource specific)

Windows to my Environment cont’d

Please answer the following to the best of your understanding.

1. I think this tool could be useful in the work I do. Yes No Unsure

a. My organization can afford to use this tool. Yes No Unsure

b. I feel I could use this tool on my own without furthertechnical expertise.

Yes No Unsure

If no, do you think a short training session wouldenable you to use this tool on your own?

Yes No Unsure

c. This tool is similar to another tool I use (or would like touse) in my work.

Yes No Unsure

If yes, please name:

2. I think this tool could help raise the public’s level ofdiscussion regarding land use decisions.

Yes No Unsure

a. The public I work with would be interested in using this tool. Yes No Unsure

b. At least some of the public I work with have the technicalexpertise to use or understand the applications of this tool. Yes No Unsure

If no, do you think a short training session wouldenable them to use/understand this tool? Yes No Unsure

c. I think the public I work with would be interested in learningabout this tool, or others similar to it. Yes No Unsure

3. The presentation of this tool was educational. Yes No UnsureIf no, please use the comment space below torecommend improvements.

GENERAL COMMENTS (We are interested in learning about your reaction to this tool as well as to themanner in which it was presented.)

If you are interested in more information or would like to invite your constituents to workshopslater this year, please write your email address below.

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

CharacteristicsCharacteristics of of decision support decision support toolstools– Help frame their Help frame their

understanding of toolsunderstanding of tools– Help answer the Help answer the

questions on reversequestions on reverse

Windows to my Environment

Your Name: (optional)Your Organization/Agency: (optional)

Please categorize your organization: (required) State Agency Nonprofit University Local Government Private Firm Other:

Use the following measurements to help you answer the questions on the back of this responseform.

COST1 2 3 4 5

No investment Start up cost Continued investment

KNOWLEDGE LEVEL1 2 3 4 5

Little to no technical expertiserequired

Some learning or expertise required Significant level of technicalexpertise required

DATA1 2 3 4 5

Minimum data required to use tool Some data gathering orcustomization required to use tool

Significant amount of data orcustomization required to use tool

STAFFING1 2 3 4 5

No staff commitment for user Some level of staff commitment Continued staff commitment for user

PLATFORM REQUIREMENTS1 2 3 4 5

Minimal technologies required to usetool (i.e., internet access)

Software required to use tool(i.e., ArcView)

Software and equipment dedicatedto tool

VALIDITY1 2 3 4 5

The tool’s assumptions and premisesare clear

Some clarification is needed The tool’s assumptions and premisesare unclear

TRANSPARENCY1 2 3 4 5

I understand how the tool is functioning Some clarification is needed I am unclear as to how the tool isfunctioning

UNDERSTANDABILITY1 2 3 4 5

I understand the tool’s product Some clarification is needed I don’t understand the tool’s product

SCOPE: SITE SPECIFIC1 2 3 4 5

Not appropriate for microanalysis(i.e., parcel or site plan)

Some ability to analyze site specificinformation

Well-suited for microanalysis(i.e., parcel or site plan)

SCOPE: BROAD APPLICATION1 2 3 4 5

Not appropriate for broad analysis(i.e., regional or resource specific)

Some ability to analyze broad levelinformation

Well-suited for broad analysis(i.e., regional or resource specific)

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

Cost: Investment to run Knowledge level: Technical

expertise needed Data required: Data included or

customization needed Staffing: Time commitment Platform requirements: Software

needed

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

Validity: Clarity of assumptions and premises

Transparency: Understanding how the tool is functioning

Understandability: Understanding the product

Scope: Site specific or broad application

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

OpinionsOpinions about tool about tool demonstrateddemonstrated– Usefulness for Usefulness for

participantparticipant– Usefulness for publicUsefulness for public

Windows to my Environment cont’d

Please answer the following to the best of your understanding.

1. I think this tool could be useful in the work I do. Yes No Unsure

a. My organization can afford to use this tool. Yes No Unsure

b. I feel I could use this tool on my own without furthertechnical expertise.

Yes No Unsure

If no, do you think a short training session wouldenable you to use this tool on your own?

Yes No Unsure

c. This tool is similar to another tool I use (or would like touse) in my work.

Yes No Unsure

If yes, please name:

2. I think this tool could help raise the public’s level ofdiscussion regarding land use decisions.

Yes No Unsure

a. The public I work with would be interested in using this tool. Yes No Unsure

b. At least some of the public I work with have the technicalexpertise to use or understand the applications of this tool. Yes No Unsure

If no, do you think a short training session wouldenable them to use/understand this tool? Yes No Unsure

c. I think the public I work with would be interested in learningabout this tool, or others similar to it. Yes No Unsure

3. The presentation of this tool was educational. Yes No UnsureIf no, please use the comment space below torecommend improvements.

GENERAL COMMENTS (We are interested in learning about your reaction to this tool as well as to themanner in which it was presented.)

If you are interested in more information or would like to invite your constituents to workshopslater this year, please write your email address below.

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

1. I think this tool could be 1. I think this tool could be useful in the work I do.useful in the work I do.

AffordabilityAffordability

Ease of useEase of use

Need for trainingNeed for training

Similarity to other toolsSimilarity to other tools

Changing LandscapesChanging LandscapesEvaluation ProcessEvaluation Process

2. I think this tool could help 2. I think this tool could help raise the public’s level of raise the public’s level of discussion regarding land use discussion regarding land use decisions.decisions.

Public interest in using Public interest in using Public expertisePublic expertise Need for trainingNeed for training Public interest in learning morePublic interest in learning more

Changing LandscapesChanging Landscapes Evaluation ResultsEvaluation Results

Changing Landscapes: Anticipating the effects of local land use decisionsEvaluation Form Results -

L-THIA PlaceIT Windows tomy

Environment

CommunityViz

Dane INDEX TURM CITYgreen

1. I think this tool could be usefulin the work I do

81% Yes6% No10% Unsure4% NoAnswer

56% Yes11% No29% Unsure5% NoAnswer

75% Yes8% No15% Unsure1% NoAnswer

56% Yes13% No26% Unsure6% NoAnswer

38% Yes32% No27% Unsure4% NoAnswer

48% Yes35% No13% Unsure4% NoAnswer

42% Yes30% No23% Unsure5% NoAnswer

1.a My organization can afford touse this tool

92% Yes0% No3% Unsure7% NoAnswer

53% Yes24% No18% Unsure5% NoAnswer

96% Yes1% No1% Unsure1% NoAnswer

20% Yes43% No30% Unsure7% NoAnswer

20% Yes52% No25% Unsure4% NoAnswer

74% Yes9% No9% Unsure7% NoAnswer

40% Yes30% No23% Unsure7% NoAnswer

1.b I feel I could use this tool on myown without further technicalexpertise

71% Yes14% No11% Unsure4% NoAnswer

35% Yes48% No14% Unsure3% NoAnswer

89% Yes3% No8% Unsure0% NoAnswer

13% Yes59% No22% Unsure6% NoAnswer

4% Yes82% No11% Unsure4% NoAnswer

70% Yes13% No11% Unsure6% NoAnswer

22% Yes58% No18% Unsure2% NoAnswer

1.b.1 If no, do you think a shorttraining session would enable you touse this tool on your own

70% Yes0% No20% Unsure10% NoAnswer

59% Yes16% No16% Unsure9% NoAnswer

50% Yes0% No50% Unsure0% NoAnswer

31% Yes41% No22% Unsure6% NoAnswer

22% Yes41% No22% Unsure15% NoAnswer

29% Yes43% No14% Unsure14% NoAnswer

57% Yes29% No6% Unsure9% NoAnswer

1.c This tool is similar to anothertool I use

17% Yes56% No14% Unsure14% NoAnswer

14% Yes65% No9% Unsure12% NoAnswer

32% Yes49% No8% Unsure11% NoAnswer

7% Yes57% No11% Unsure24% NoAnswer

5% Yes75% No9% Unsure11% NoAnswer

6% Yes65% No11% Unsure17% NoAnswer

12% Yes72% No10% Unsure7% NoAnswer

2. I think this tool could help raisethe public’s level of discussionregarding land use decisions

88% Yes1% No6% Unsure4 % NoAnswer

91% Yes2% No5% Unsure3% NoAnswer

63% Yes4% No29% Unsure4% NoAnswer

81% Yes6% No9% Unsure2% NoAnswer

61% Yes11% No29% Unsure0% NoAnswer

69% Yes9% No20% Unsure2% NoAnswer

75% Yes8% No15% Unsure2% NoAnswer

Summary of CL EffortsSummary of CL Efforts

At the end of evaluation phase:At the end of evaluation phase: solid toolboxsolid toolbox established partner groupestablished partner group interested audienceinterested audience

Foundation to promote decision Foundation to promote decision support tools as a means of support tools as a means of enhancing local land use decisionsenhancing local land use decisions

Using Decision Support Using Decision Support ToolsTools

Tools determined to be Tools determined to be most usefulmost useful when they:when they: are free or affordableare free or affordable don’t require additional don’t require additional

training/educationtraining/education are spatially relevant are spatially relevant required data is included or easy to findrequired data is included or easy to find

Science Information Services Science Information Services Section on the InternetSection on the Internet

www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/landuselanduse

QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS?

Thank you!Thank you!