Application of Technology to Planning

Technology has is a definite asset to the urban planning process and has a great capacity to assist in delivering ideal outcomes in urban development instances. For example:

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-          Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provides us with highly accurate digital maps that can synthesise data in the form of overlays to allow for the observation and understanding of how multiple components interact. A specific example of greatly utilised analysis the Kernel Density method that synthesis point source data and creates a density function which is then overlayed on a map and can then be used to draw conclusions between related components. Service provision planning such as transport is a primary example where such analysis could potential be useful; a  density function may highlight particular traffic congestion zone along vital transport corridors or matching population densities with bus service routes areas that are under or over-provided for become apparent.

Picture: Example of Various Public Transport Related Elements Over-layed onto a GIS generated image.  

-         WWW: The world wide web provides and accessible forum for the public discourse that is often vital to the planning process. Participation at public planning consultation is often limited to specific demographics and limited people whilst the internet a much more convenient way of participating in the planning process. The positive participation rates involved in the ‘Time to Talk; Canberra 2030’ online initiative as well as NCA and ACTPLA online inputs for planning developments. Local papers such as the Canberra Times online also allows reporting and public access to Urban Planning related concerns such as development and land sales, whilst also proving a forum for people to discuss and or state their opinions.

As our global societies continue to expand and grow continually more diverse the complexity of the issues urban works to ameliorate will also grow. Subsequently the need to engage in the analysis and synthetise of large data sets or examine large spatial areas adequately is paramount to conceptualising, understanding and explaining these urban planning issues. Often if the process of problem aversion of problem solving it often best to spend the majority of time understanding the problems in depth so that we can then develop the best, simplest and most cost effective solutions that work to directly rectify problems. Technology in planning offers the capacity for better problem analysis and evaluation so that problems may be greater understood by those involved in fixing them and greater understanding should translate to better outcomes.  The need to utilise technology in the Urban Planning fields will only grow with time and that we cement a strong culture of adequately utilising technology to contribute to the planning process given the planning professional ideals of delivering the best possible outcomes for all relevant  stakeholders.