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Method Factsheet - Simple Matrix Approach

Resource description:

Matrix Approaches are a quick and simple way to get an overall spatially-explicit picture of the ES in case study areas. The method is based on the idea of linking tabular spreadsheet data and spatial data together, i.e. joining external datasets to spatial units to create maps. The spreadsheet format data can be collected, for example, as expert evaluation or constructed from indicators or statistics. Simple application of the approach typically involves land use or land cover (LULC) datasets, although other datasets can be used.

Author/Contact:

Dr Paula Harrison,

Land Use Group,

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology,

Lancaster Environment Centre,

Library Avenue,

Bailrigg,

Lancs,

LA1 4AP

+44 (0) 1524 595858

paulaharrison@ceh.ac.uk

Publication date:

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Requirements:

  • Basic knowledge in spreadsheets and GIS are needed to conduct the assessment successfully. Facilitating expert evaluations and focus groups needs social and stakeholder engagement skills as well as the ability to clarify the ES concept, ES categories, th
  • Spatially-explicit datasets (vector or raster) and additional information are needed. The need to collect new data depends on: (i) the objectives of the case study
  • (ii) the matrix-type method selected (based solely on LULC or based on a wide variety of spatial datasets as in GreenFrame method)

Advantages:

  • Relatively easy and fast to perform. Draws on existing data, can handle missing data, and expert knowledge can be included
  • Basic knowledge of spreadsheets and open source GIS software is usually enough
  • Simultaneous assessment of multiple ES can be carried out at different scales: best possible datasets of appropriate resolution need to be used accordingly.

Constraints:

  • Availability of the background data might be a restraint
  • If a matrix using LULC data is applied, the data might be too coarse to study small case study areas affecting the reliability of results
  • Data preparation can be quite a long and demanding task when a wide array of spatial datasets is used (GreenFrame).

Licence:

  • Free, no licence

Development stage:

  • Full, working product
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