Six thousand different maps of Chicago can now be automatically dissected online.
Chicago Cityscape has announced a new online tool that breaks down the zoning on a map of any part of a Chicago. Steven Vance writes:
Zoning Assessment is a new, automated tool that measures the kind of different zoning districts in any of the more than 6,000 maps of Chicago on Chicago Cityscape. With it you can see how much residential-only, mixed-use, or planned developments make up a ward, community, or the area around a CTA station.
While Vance warns that zoning may not indicate actual land use, he also highlights the utility of even limited zoning analysis. For example, he uses the tool to identify low-density residential areas with 24-hour rapid transit service, opening up questions about the level of transit-oriented development there. More details, examples, and images of the tool are available at Chicago Cityscape.
FULL STORY: New tool automatically analyzes the zoning map in any part of Chicago
Uber Releases Open-Source Mapping Tool
Individuals and major companies alike have already found a variety of applications for the software.
Charlottesville Temporarily Has No Zoning Code
A judge ordered the Virginia city to throw out its newly revised zoning code, leaving permitting for new development in legal limbo.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions
An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.
What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?
The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.
Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts
Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie