QUICKScan is a participatory method supported by a software tool to enhance the exploratory dialogue in a facilitated workshop with policy makers, experts, and stakeholders. Typically QUICKScan is used to scope, develop and assess alternative policy options and/or spatial plans. During the workshop, the impacts of the alternatives are calculated using knowledge of workshop participants.
QUICKScan has been applied from local to continental scale. Some regional examples include: Dutch regional studies dealing with agricultural soil suitability; Dutch landscape attractiveness; French timber production; Czech water retention; several pan-European assessments (Urban sprawl, Green Infrastructure, Ecosystem Services, Natural Capital). It has also been used in Latin America (soybean expansion, ecosystem integrity), Africa (social resettlement) and Asia (wetland conservation).
QUICKScan is a participatory method to link knowledge and stakeholder interests to spatial and statistical data. This helps to identify conflict and synergies in the interpretation of management plans and their economic, environmental and social impacts. Trade-offs between indicators are discussed. Iterations are used to converge to an agreement or to arrive at a clear insight at where the difference are.
Peter Verweij, Senior researcher/software engineer environmental informatics - Alterra, Wageningen-UR
Community Member, Landscape Leader, Local Authority, Subnational / National Government
