AN APPRECIATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN URBAN PLANNING

Abstract

Abstract : Urban planning is a multidisciplinary process, which demands input from various decision makers. An efficient and realistic plan can only emerge if the different parties involved coordinate their efforts to find solutions now. This can be achieved more than ever before using Urban Information Systems (UIS), whether within an organization or between organizations. This dissertation defines the Geographic Information System (GIS) as a planning tool and describes the functions of its different components. It also examines other types of urban information systems and their role in urban planning, such as Database Management Systems (DBMS), Decision Support Systems (DSS), and Expert Systems (ES). The work touches on coupling the GIS with other sophisticated UIS in an attempt to incorporate modeling techniques and expert knowledge into its functionalities. The report further addresses the importance of networking GIS to achieve better data sharing in the planning environment and the recent technologies involved. In addition, the work describes several GIS applications in urban planning and explains the use of neural networks in this field. Issues that relate to the successful implementation of a GIS and the problems involved are also discussed The dissertation concludes that a GIS technology can be used to its fullest potential if firstly it is integrated with other information systems to create an intelligent GIS and secondly, it is used as a data sharing tool that requires solving problems related to communications and organizational matters. Finally, the work outlines recommendations that are considered essential for implementing and maintaining a successful GIS, both on the technological and organizational levels