Computer vision and machine learning promise to change the way we see and understand urban life.
Rapidly evolving technology has the capacity to change the way we see and design urban places, writes Patrick Sisson in an article for Curbed. Machine learning is used in architecture to better design places and respond to changing tastes. Retailers are looking for better ways to serve customers, including cashier-less checkouts. Urban planners can use it to better design shared space. Transportation planners can better plan improvements as simple as location of a new crosswalk.
Drawbacks persist. One is facial recognition technology, which is less accurate among nonwhites and women. Most agree that privacy and anonymity cannot be sacrificed for data. Yet technology will continue to shape our cities.
"William Whyte, for all his skilled observations, was ultimately a bystander with better memory. New technology is creating not just an observer, but an omniscient narrator."
FULL STORY: Your City is Watching You

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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