Scales and associated data — What is enough for SEA needs?

The question of scale and data needs in SEA is explored, based on the assumption that SEA emerged to address multiple scales, larger perspectives and respond to new development paradigms, which determine new functions and expectations on SEA deliveries. Spatial and temporal scales in SEA are considered. This paper argues that other dimensions in temporal scales, which are crucial for SEA, may need to be considered: the generational time scale (the temporal scale across generations) and the decisional time scale (the temporal scale that is relevant for making strategic decisions). For example, the timing of data analysis in relation to the needs of decision-making at strategic levels is the most critical aspect which, if not met, may make data analysis redundant, waste time and limit the environmental or social benefits of SEA. The concept of SEA in its strategic sense is emphasized, in contrast with the EIA-based SEA concept, and its implications to SEA methodologies are discussed, including the understanding of baseline data needs in strategic contexts. A new lexicon for SEA, in a strategic sense, is suggested to help enhance a strategic culture in impact assessment.