Smart Growth Index is a GIS sketch model for simulating alternative land-use and transportation scenarios, and evaluating their outcomes using indicators of environmental and community performance. The result: land use and transportation decisions that encourage economic development; reduce fiscal expenditure, protect the environment; and improve community quality of life.
General Info
Developers:
Christopher Forinash
Website:
epa.gov/smartgrowth/topics/sg_index.htm
Email:
forinash.christopher@epa.gov
Outputs:
Fifty+ indicators of land-use characteristics; housing and employment shares, densities and proximity measures, and consumption measures; environmental impacts, infrastructure requirements; and transportation supply and performance measures.
Resources
User Input Requirements:
Detailed information available on request.
Time Commitment:
We generally expect partner organizations to provide roughly a half-time model steward for a setup period. The steward can then code alternatives and provide information to decision-makers in hours per alternative.
Data Input Requirements:
Required data includes landuse parcels, residential and employment points, and transportation networks. Detailed information on formats available on request.
Equipment Needs:
Up-to-date PC.
Staff Requirements:
Steward should have several years of GIS experience. Model users can include planners, technicians, and decision makers with steward support.
Software Cost:
USEPA distributes SGI by periodically soliciting proposals for evaluation, and distributing licenses and technical support to selected partner organizations. No fees are involved.
Preview:
No.
Maintenance Costs:
No fee.