Computer-Based Decision-Support and Visualization Strategies

I'm in San Francisco this weekend for the annual 2005 American Planning Association Conference. On Saturday, I'm presenting on a panel, "Computer-Based Decision-Support and Visualization Strategies", organized by Kenneth Topping, FAICP of Topping Associates International. I'll be releasing my annual list, "Top Five Technologies For Planning, 2005". After the session, I'll post my top technologies here also. Rumor has it that the Moscone West Conference Center is outfitted with wireless Internet access. If so, I'll blog the presentations, as well as publish a few photos of the event. Other presenters include: Mark Sorensen, University of Redlands: Linkages between knowledge-base, multiple criteria analysis and GIS Chuck Donley, Donley & Associates Inc.: Using vector data for site selection, land use allocation, forecasting, and visualization. Ken Snyder, PlaceMatters.com: Using visualization and GIS tools on the neighborhood scale Dr. Michael Flaxman, Assistant Industry Manager for Design, ESRI: A Conceptual and Technical Framework for GIS-Based Land Use Planning: Alternative Futures for La Paz, Mexico The official panel description: "Presenters will showcase IT-based approaches to community outreach and decision making. Case studies include redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and other high-pressure planning situations. The enhanced program includes 3-D visualization geared for use in public settings, electronic democracy techniques, scenario-building models, web-based GIS, and multi-media tools. "

1 minute read

March 18, 2005, 8:44 PM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


I'm in San Francisco this weekend for the annual 2005 American Planning Association Conference. On Saturday, I'm presenting on a panel, "Computer-Based Decision-Support and Visualization Strategies", organized by Kenneth Topping, FAICP of Topping Associates International.



I'll be releasing my annual list, "Top Five Technologies For Planning, 2005". After the session, I'll post my top technologies here also.



Rumor has it that the Moscone West Conference Center is outfitted with wireless Internet access. If so, I'll blog the presentations, as well as publish a few photos of the event.



Conference photo



Other presenters include:

  • Mark Sorensen, University of Redlands: Linkages between knowledge-base, multiple criteria analysis and GIS
  • Chuck Donley, Donley & Associates Inc.: Using vector data for site selection, land use allocation, forecasting, and visualization.
  • Ken Snyder, PlaceMatters.com: Using visualization and GIS tools on the neighborhood scale
  • Dr. Michael Flaxman, Assistant Industry Manager for Design, ESRI: A Conceptual and Technical Framework for GIS-Based Land Use Planning: Alternative Futures for La Paz, Mexico


  • The official panel description: "Presenters will showcase IT-based approaches to community outreach and decision making. Case studies include redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and other high-pressure planning situations. The enhanced program includes 3-D visualization geared for use in public settings, electronic democracy techniques, scenario-building models, web-based GIS, and multi-media tools. "


    Chris Steins

    Chris Stines is Planetizen's former Editor and the founder of Urban Insight, a leading digital agency. Chris has 25 years of experience in technology consulting and urban planning and has served as a consultant to public sector state, county, and local agencies, Fortune 500 private firms, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations.

    portrait of professional woman

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

    I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

    Mary G., Urban Planner

    Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

    Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

    Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

    Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

    May 22, 2025 - CBC

    Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

    Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

    A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

    May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

    White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

    DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

    The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

    May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

    Farm workers in long sleeves and hats working in a green field in Nipomo, California with small hills in background.

    Without International Immigrants, the Rural US Population Would Be Falling 58%

    Census data shows that population growth in rural areas is due in large part to international migrants.

    June 2 - The Daily Yonder

    Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive, eight-lane highway adjacent to lakeshore in Chicago, Illinois with city skyline in background at sunset.

    Dead End: Nine Highways Ready for Retirement

    The Freeways Without Futures report describes the nation’s most promising highway removal proposals.

    June 2 - Congress For New Urbanism

    Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

    Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

    The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

    June 2 - The Hill

    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.

    Write for Planetizen