Matrix method: Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Matrix method provides a framework for interaction between project activities and their
environmental impacts. A matrix of potential interactions is produced by combining two lists
(placing one on the vertical axis and the other on the horizontal axis). It can evaluate degree of
impacts of project activities on environmental resources.

It is a grid like table that one axis displayed project activities and other axis displayed
environmental characteristics. It can also evaluate the cumulative and indirect impacts as well as
interaction with resources.

Matrix method is observed as two-dimensional checklist having Axis of actions and Axis of
environmental components. The intersections are the impacts.

One of the earliest matrix methods was developed by Leopold et al. (1971). In a Leopold matrix
and its variants, the columns of the matrix correspond to project actions (e.g., flow alteration)
while the rows represent environmental conditions (e.g., water temperature). The impact
associated with the action columns and the environmental condition row is described in terms of
its magnitude and significance.

Most matrices were built for specific applications, although the Leopold Matrix itself is quite
general. Matrices can be tailor-made to suit the needs of any project that is to be evaluated. They
should preferably cover both the construction and the operation phases of the project, because
sometimes, the former causes greater impacts than the latter.

Types:

 Simple Matrix
 Quantified Matrix (Leopold Matrix)

Simple Matrix: This is simply a list of environmental aspects listed along the vertical axis,
against which we determine whether an activity would have an adverse effect, no effect or
beneficial/positive effect. A simple “x” or “tick” is given under the appropriate column.
Parameter Adverse effect No effect Beneficial effect
Water quality
Land use/ land contamination
Air Quality
Noise level

Sometimes, the activities are listed along the horizontal axis with the environmental aspects in
the vertical axis, and the same “x” is given to those pairs that have an interaction between
themselves.

Simple matrices are useful:

 Early in EIA processes for scoping the assessment.

 For identifying areas that require further research.
 For identifying interactions between project activities and specific environmental
components.
Leopold Matrix: The Leopold Matrix provides a framework for the analysis and numerical
weighting of probable impacts. It is a simple way to summarize & rank environmental impacts
and to focus on that impact, which is considered to be greatest. Matrix method is pioneered by
Leopold et al (1971), enlisted about 100 project actions and 88 environmental characteristic or
parameter. It delivers a total of 8,800 interactions. Each action and their impact potential are
considered.

In Leopard matrix, on horizontal axis, actions cause environmental impact and on the vertical
axis, existing environmental conditions affected by actions. The horizontal axis shows most
efficient way to check each significant action (listed on the horizontal axis). As on listed on
vertical axis give information about that each checked action (on horizontal axis) is evaluated in
terms of magnitude of effect on environmental characteristics and conditions.
The cells of the matrix are divided by a diagonal line. The top division is used to describe the
magnitude of the impact that activity will have on the environmental aspect, and the bottom
division is used to describe the significance of that impact. Both, the magnitude and the
significance, are rated on a scale of 1 to 10. Magnitude (size or importance) indicates how much
the impact is present in this case and Significance indicates the theoretical importance of the
impact. Each individual impact is estimated by the product of significance and magnitude. This
is subjective to the surveyor and is based on the baseline data collected. If a cell has no division,
it means that the activity has no impact on the environmental aspect.
Advantages:
 Visually describe relationship between two sets of factors.
 Expanded or contracted to meet needs of the proposal being assessed.
 Identify impacts of different phases of project, construction, operation and so on.
 Help separate site-specific impacts from impacts affecting region.

Disadvantages:
 Difficult to distinguish direct and indirect impacts.
 There is significant potential for double counting of impacts.
 They do not explicitly represent spatial or temporal considerations.
 They do not adequately address synergistic impacts.
 The cells of the matrix are filled in using subjective (expert) judgement, or by using
extensive data bases.