Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a digital mapping tool that links databases to maps, allowing for the creation of layers displaying information about particular locations. Since planning is concerned with physical land uses as well as socioeconomic and environmental factors, the ability to combine and overlay such information is of great importance to the profession.

On a technical level, GIS utilises hardware (the computer), software (to provide functions for dealing with spatial information), data sources (GPS, databases, satellite imagery etc) and metadata (information about the accuracy of a data set). There are two data types associated with GIS:

Vector data- information about points, lines or polygons (trees, streets and building layouts for example)

Raster data- values assigned to cells to represent geographical features

How GIS Works
Source: SEOS 2011

These components are then combined to allow for queries about a particular location, attribute, or both (known as a Boolean query).

GIS has already transformed urban planning practice, and is recognised as an important decision making tool for planners. It is likely in the future, as technology advances the capability of GIS will expand, providing planners with greater tools with which to make decisions. The development of 3D modelling is currently an area of great interest, and would be a very useful tool to help with the visualisation of potential developments.

Planning Metropolitan Regions

"When we think about the future of metropolitan areas it is not useful to envision them as cities surrounded by a ring of suburbs... We have to begin thinking of cities as metropolitan regions, as a matrix of development that extends over wide areas and includes many centres" (Hack). This highlights the need for an integrated planning approach that focuses on metropolitan regions as a whole.

The article mentions the relationship between a growing emphasis on metropolitan regions and the traditional downtown. As metropolitan regions have expanded, clusters of urban amenities have emerged, often becoming home to services traditionally associated with center cities. Thus, the center city must offer something unique, and specialise in areas that it has comparative advantage (presence of landmarks for tourism). For example, planning decisions must aim to capitalise on unique aspects of the CBD like the Harbour to differentiate it from growing district centres like Parramatta.

The idea of governance and it's impacts on the development and implementation of regional plans is also mentioned. It is stated that plans need to encompass regions, but devolution of power to local governments, as they are closest to the community, is beneficial. This is easier said than done, particularly in Australia where there is a power and resource struggle between the State and Local Governments.

The article raises some interesting points about the neccessity of plans to consider metropolitan regions as a whole, which I think will only become more imperative in the face of climate change and population growth.

How to make a Town

This week’s reading focuses on how to create a successful town based on the ideas of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk- the founders of the Congress for New Urbanism. This idea of New Urbanism has been explored in previous blogs. In summary, it is one way of responding to the negative outcomes (externalities) associated with automobile based suburban sprawl through the promotion of a return to traditional urban design principles (mixed-use development, gridded streets, walkability,etc).
One important point raised in the article is that of developing underutilised areas instead of greenfield development, in order to reduce environmental impacts of development. This idea surfaces in the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan, which aims to increase residential density in the town centres (like Tuggeranong) and along major transport corridors (like Erindale Drive). This links to the idea of a neighbourhood structure that is suited for public transport use that is mentioned in the article.


The importance of creating mixed-use developments (an idea synonymous with new urbanism, and advocated by Jane Jacobs) is emphasised as a way of limiting sprawl but also creating a vibrant community. Creating a balance between residential buildings and workplaces is one aspect of this, and again this is one of the goals outlined in the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan, which aims to increase the amount of people living and working in the same district by 10%.


Although the new urbanist approach of using traditional towns as inspiration can be viewed as idealistic and impractical, I think the aspects of the Draft Canberra Spatial Plan that correspond to the core ideas demonstrate that if the principles behind the movement are considered in the current context, they can be effectively used in current plans. Planning a town using New Urbanist ideas does not have to mean recreating 'old-style' towns (that look like the picture below), but simply using the principles to help address current social, economic and environmental problems.

Seaside, Florida
Source: Coastal Family Living 2011

The Master Plan

This week's reading talks about the master plan and its importance in the planning process. Although there is no one definition or formulation of a master plan, they are generally non-statutory documents that act as a guide for future developments. Through the use of charts, diagrams, standards and policies, master plans provide a vision for the future of an area. The reading heavily emphasises the fact that master plans address physical land use planning. Although I think in the face of issues like climate change and changing population demographics; social, environmental and economic considerations are essential for the success of a master plan.

 After looking at the Tuggeranong and Erindale Town Centres Draft Mater Plan, it seems that economic, environmental and social issues were raised in the consultation, and then taken into consideration when outlining physical land use measures.

 Six of the main uses of a master plan are listed as:

1. A source of information

2. A program of correction

3. An estimate of the future

4. An indicator of goals

5. A technique for coordination

6. A device for stimulating public interest and responsibility


The author suggests that the perhaps the main purpose of the master plan is the mutual interaction between those making plans and those whom the plans impact. Through the preparation of a master plan the community can take an active role, particularly since a master plan is a vision of the future of a place, something that local residents, businesses and organisations are likely to have an interest in. If the stakeholders take part in the formulation of the master plan, it’s possible that subsequent planning documents will cause less disputes because they comply with the ideas outlined in the master plan that were guided by the community. Do you think this is a likely outcome?

Pluralistic Planning for Multicultural Cities

The reading this week focuses on the idea of multiculturalism in Canada, although the ideas are particularly relevant to Australia, and how multiculturalism impacts the planning process. The article emphasises that planning for multiculturalism requires the planner to focus on social aspects and issues of equity and welfare rather than just physical elements. It reinforces the idea, and acts as an important reminder, that the planning process directly impacts on the wellbeing of people- something planners have been criticised for neglecting consider.
A recurring theme throughout the text is the importance of communicative planning in relation to multiculturalism. On a practical level, the planner must be sensitive to the needs of various groups and individuals and overcome challenges like language barriers. The case study of Kingsview Park in Toronto provides an example of a dispute regarding ethnic differences that was dealt with by reviewing security and management of the housing estate- not addressing the root cause of the problem. So it seems a communicative approach is important when dealing with multiculturalism to allow all parties to express their views, needs and concerns. Although, as mentioned previously, there are limitations associated with this approach. Namely the exclusion of certain groups from participation in the planning process (this is a particular threat where there may be groups with different language needs) and the occurrence of NIMBYISM.

Ethnic enclaves and the implication they have on planning decisions is mentioned, as well as some of the negatives and positives of such concentrations of certain ethnicities. Of course there are examples of enclaves that have had positive social and economic outcomes such as Leichardt in Sydney and those that have resulted in negative outcomes such as violence and gangs.

Chinatown, Sydney
Source: Wikipedia 2005

   
My question to you is, where is the line for a planner between accommodating the needs of different cultural groups and enforcing segregation?