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.