4.3 Baseline data collection
The term "baseline" refers to the collection of background information on the biophysical, social and economic settings proposed project area. Normally, information is obtained from secondary sources, or the acquisition of new information through field samplings, interviews, surveys and consultations with the public. The task of collecting baseline data starts right from the period of project inception; however, a majority of this task may be undertaken during scoping and actual EIA.