CommunityViz-Based Prototype Model for Assessing Development Impacts in a Naturalized Floodplain—EmiquonViz

We present a prototype spreadsheet-based and geographic information system-based model, EmiquonViz, developed to examine the economic, fiscal, and social impacts of development. The model is designed to facilitate examination of hypothetical scenarios related to introducing recreational use and siting a lodging facility within a naturalized floodplain. In building the model we draw on the ongoing floodplain naturalization efforts in the middle reach of the Illinois River and assume that the new development would amount to a park of at least regional and possibly state stature; it would, therefore, attract nonlocal visitors and generate impacts on the local communities. EmiquonViz is implemented in ArcView 3.3 using the CommunityViz Scenario Constructor extension. Its purpose is to serve as a decision-making tool for planners and other community members concerned with the impact of recreational and tourism-related activities.