Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offer powerful tools to analyse, visualise, and manage spatial data, making them indispensable in urban planning. As urban areas expand and evolve, GIS technology makes it possible for planners to make informed decisions to develop the infrastructure for sustainable, efficient, and resilient cities. This article examines the top six reasons for the application of GIS in urban planning. Explore how GIS enhances the decision-making process to transform the way cities are planned and managed.

The Philippines is one of the fastest urbanising countries in the world, with 47% of the population living in urban areas. Rapid urbanisation brings about opportunities, but the related growth can also lead to challenges. Using GIS in urban planning helps planners address potential challenges while meeting demands for rapid growth and urbanisation. Geographic Information Systems are developed with a set of features that use various types of data to help city planners make informed decisions to identify the needs and challenges related to developing efficient cities.

GIS processes and stores geospatial data from satellite imaging, aerial photography, and remote sensors to gain a more detailed perspective on land and infrastructure. Spatial data can be presented visually in maps produced by precise plotter printers used in the AEC industry. Maps commonly used in urban planning include:

• Choropleth maps that use colour or patterns to represent demographic data
• Dot density maps used to represent population data
• Heat maps to represent specific data points like high-traffic areas

Urban planners can use this information to identify the best locations for development and required resources for each region.

It's essential to consider the potential for overcrowding and limited resources in areas experiencing rapid urbanisation. The ability to combine various data types enables planners to better understand the needs of areas based on population and other demographic factors. GIS data provides vital information about local demographics and potential development to inform planners about the infrastructure that should be built in a given area.

GIS gathers data from multiple sources and seamlessly integrates it into one system. Combining geographic data with socioeconomic and demographic information enables an in-depth analysis of an area to determine the infrastructure and businesses that will best serve the population. Access to this critical information at the planning stage improves efficiency in designing urban areas.

The application of GIS in urban planning integrates data from multiple sources to incorporate landscape, population, demographic, socioeconomic, and other information. The data support these six applications in urban planning.

GIS allows planners to evaluate the environmental constraints, population density, and existing infrastructure. They can then determine how to best allocate resources for urban development. This can help avoid overcrowding and enable planners to balance residential and commercial structures.

GIS enables city planners to assess traffic routes and congestion, plan for public transportation, and meet sustainable transportation goals. Professionals can use the data to analyse traffic patterns and evaluate public transportation needs. The same data can help planners identify areas prone to congestion and then develop solutions.

The application of GIS in urban planning can help planners create sustainable communities by identifying potential growth and planning new developments to meet the needs of future residents and businesses. Developers can also use environmental data in conjunction with population data to recognise areas they should maintain for environmental preservation and concerns surrounding flooding, air quality, traffic, etc.

GIS can integrate historical data, weather patterns, landscape topography, and other relevant factors to identify locations at high risk of natural disasters, including flood-prone or landslide-prone areas. Planners can manage risk more effectively by predicting where natural disasters are most likely to occur. Smart application of GIS in urban planning can influence decisions to identify the safest areas for development. They can also help with route optimisation for emergency services like evacuation planning.

When paired with other tools like technical printer/plotters, GIS data can be transformed into easily digestible visuals, including charts, maps, and tables. This information can be used to share information with community members to encourage input about how plans and project development can improve experiences for previously excluded groups.

GIS helps urban planners find the right balance between manufacturing, food production, housing, services, and addressing income inequality. As urban regions grow, GIS data can be used to improve the long-term maintenance of these areas by tracking assets and evaluating developmental needs.

Integrating GIS in urban planning provides data to accurately inform planners which structures will best serve local residents and employees. The use of accurate data improves efficiency during planning and development. It also helps urban planners develop sustainable cities that better serve the public with continued growth.

The top benefits of integrating GIS in urban planning and management include:

• The ability to gather spatial data from varied sources
• Printable data to improve communication and collaboration
• Measurable data improves the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making
• Population data can be used to ensure adequate infrastructure
• Use in environmental impact assessments to improve sustainable building practices

Architects use plotter printers to produce high-quality large format prints of spatial data to make the information easier to understand. Findings from the data can then be shared with city planners and stakeholders to inform decisions regarding urban planning and future management. As technology continues to evolve, GIS and plotter printers are likely to be used in conjunction with other visualisation technologies to further enhance urban planning. For example, when combined with augmented reality or interactive displays, users can add greater depth to the visualisations provided by GIS.

With a wide range of technical printer/plotters ideal for use in the AEC industry, HP is the optimal source for a plotter/printer that will fit the needs of your application of GIS in urban planning and management. Reach out to us to learn more about how our technology can help you address challenges related to rapid urbanisation.