The Scanning Process

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the process of environmental scanning. It goes in depth by describing different methods used in environmental scanning.

Scanning methods

Stakeholder surveys

Surveys are a fast way to find out what others see in terms of future development. 


Survey types 

  • Field trips 
  • Windshield surveys 
  • Key informant surveys 
  • Issues-oriented surveys 
  • Delphi studies 
  • Public opinion polls 
  • Staff surveys 
  • Prediction markets 

The design of the surveys needs careful consideration and must focus clearly on answering the key question(s) you need to answer. 


Key steps 

  • Establish the key questions and overarching goal(s) of your survey. 
  • Determine your target sample. 
  • Choose your method. 
  • Test the questions. 
  • Conduct the survey.
  • Analyze the results. 
  • Produce the output. 
  • Add to the Horizon Scanning database.