A gunfire detection tool used by the city of Palo Alto will be used in the investigation into a plane crash that killed three local auto executives.
The system, ShotSpotter, is in use in many cities, and this investigation shows how such urban data can be used.
"In recordings played for reporters Thursday, the plane's two engines can be heard clearly. Some of the sensors caught the sound of two loud bangs, apparently when parts of the plane, including a wing, an engine and the landing gear, hit buildings and vehicles on the ground.
In one chilling recording, screams of people witnessing the crash can be heard.
The sensors 'picked up probably critical portions of the crash itself and the events leading up to it,' said Police Chief Ron Davis. 'It is a very clear and, quite frankly, powerful tape of the events.'"
Read the full story: Gunfire detection system figures in crash probe
Density-averse Palo Alto seeks 'pro-housing' moniker
The Silicon Valley city is seeking a state designation that offers access to state housing funds.
Palo Alto Councilors Propose Law to Curb Billionaire Buy-ups Amid Uproar Over Zuckerberg Compound
Mark Zuckerberg has bought 11 homes, building a massive compound with a private school and heavy security patrols.
Palo Alto Expands Church ‘Safe Parking’ Program
The city is considering adding commercial lots to the program, which provides safe parking and amenities for people living in cars.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment
The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.
California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal
Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.
Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states
Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority