Satellite data and new software helps predict, locate, and observe fire outbreaks.
"The Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm (WFABBA) [is] created by NOAA at the University of Wisconsin Space Science and Engineering Center in Madison, Wis. ...This program takes the feeds from...satellites to generate fire data for the entire Western Hemisphere every 30 minutes. Ground station computers take that data...to send out in map form to emergency personnel within 60 minutes of transmitted...The WFABBA software was developed by the University of Wisconsin to run on portable Linux personal computers...When combined with related weather and topographical information, the program's sophisticated statistical method identifies fires automatically..."
Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan
FULL STORY: New Software Helps Satellites Pinpoint Fires Earlier

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

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.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont