Computer modeling is a powerful tool for analyzing complex urban systems. Indeed, for decades metropolitan-scale transportation planning has been informed by increasingly sophisticated computer models. In addition, models are commonly used to study all types of infrastructure systems, the urban environment, even possible location of future of urban growth. In fact, I’m building an attractiveness […]
New Database of Tools for Participation and Collaboration in Urban Planning
Over at my MIT webspace I just launched a database of web tools for participation and collaboration in planning. I created it mostly to help myself keep track of all the technology and consultants in this area, and also because of my dissatisfaction with existing databases. It’s not meant to be all-encompassing, just cover the […]
Does Data Matter in Urban Policy?
Last week’s Open Cities conference, sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation and Next American City, brought together a diverse group to discuss the role of new media in shaping urban policy. One of the major topics discussed was the emerging trend of cities establishing data catalogs where a wide range of datasets and feeds are made […]
What Government Web Feeds Are Needed?
More and more governments are publishing data feeds, whether of news, alerts regarding public services, or even exposing administrative data. In the UK, the “Mash the State” project has the goal of encouraging every local unit of government publish a news RSS feed. Inspired by the project, Steve Clift asked “what web feeds should government […]
Planetizen Post: An iPhone in the City
See my latest post on Planetizen, on iPhone apps and urban life.
Placeblogs and the Nonplace Urban Realm
Communications technologies were supposed to doom urban community. After all, with high-quality, free, instantaneous communication with people from around the world, who cares about talking over the fence with the neighbor, or joining the local bowling league? Ironically, the Internet, the world’s most widely available communications medium, has sparked some of the most narrowly focused […]
Summer Planning and Technology Today Newsletter Out
Over the past year I’ve become involved in the American Planning Association’s Technology Division, an interesting group of academics and professionals interested in technology in planning. This summer together with PB’s Steve Chiaramont, I became co-editor of the Division’s newsletter Planning and Technology Today. Our first issue contains stories on GIS, regional scenario analysis, and […]