An environmental scan is used to identify which of the following?

An environmental scan is a research tool used in planning to identify external factors that could impact a community, such as economic trends, demographic shifts, or legislative changes. According to the APA’sAICP Certification Exam Content Outline(2022), under “Research and Assessment Methods,” environmental scans are defined as a method to “identify external opportunities and threats” that affect planning processes. This aligns with option A, which focuses on external factors like social, economic, or political influences. Option B (factors affecting the natural environment) is too narrow, as environmental scans are broader than just ecological concerns. Options C and D (resilience of the local economy and quality of life) may be outcomes of an environmental scan but are not its primary purpose. TheCPC Study Manual(2024 edition) further supports this by noting that environmental scans are used to “gather information on external trends and forces,” confirming option A as the correct answer.