Technology
Charting Public Data Via Google
Google has launched a new experimental effort to visualize much of the public data it now searches and displays.
Post-Katrina, New Urbanists Help Haiti
Philip Langdon compares the New Urban response to New Orleans and Haiti.
Miami 311: Online
The city of Miami is putting its 311 phone system and the civic problems it's used to report online, enabling residents and city officials to easily track local problems.
Inchvesting in Detroit
$1 will buy you one square inch of a vacant lot in Detroit, and membership in Jerry Paffendorf's club of "inchvestors." It may sound like a scheme, but Paffendorf calls it a way to network, invest in Detroit, and attract entrepreneurs.
OP-ED: Make "High-Speed" Rail Speedier
Train writer Christian Wolmar argues that the best application for high speed rail funds would be to upgrade the Washington D.C. to Boston, 150 mph Acela line to true, high speed rail status and used as a showcase for American rail technology.
Town Futures in Photoshop
A picture's worth a thousand plans - at least when it's a "photo-realistic visualization." Designer Steve Price's detailed 3D flash animations show towns what empty streetscapes and drab buildings could look like with a little bit of planning.
When's the Next Subway? Look Up.
Electronic next train signage has come to the New York Subway. Three experimental systems are currently being tested throughout the system, but locals say the kinks are still clearly being worked out.
Curing Congestion Through Computing
This piece from Fast Company looks at an effort by IBM to use computer systems to intuitively understand traffic systems and improve the way city infrastructure handles congestion.
Turning Cities into Innovation Centers
Saul Kaplan says cities should be transformed into innovation centers to stay competitive and become the venue of a "new economic conversation".
Engaging Communities, Improving Neighborhoods
Dr. Marc Schlossberg of the University of Oregon developed a series of tools for mobile GIS devices, and set community members loose to use the technology to collect data about their streets and improve their neighborhood livability.
Seducing Riders Onto Transit
At a recent transportation conference, Dr. Leo Kroon of the Netherlands Railway says their strategy is not to force people to use the train but to 'seduce' them with the latest innovations.
Intelligent Buildings in the Environment
Through digital displays and environmental sensors, new architecture projects are creating a visual way to monitor environmental conditions in specific places.
In Land Of Hi-Tech, Why Do Newspapers Flourish?
Palo Alto is where Silicon Valley started, yet locals eagerly pick up the Daily Post, the Daily News, as well as read PaloAlto-Online. The New York Times investigates why print media flourishes here while regional and national papers struggle.
The Underappreciated Cable Car
When people talk about cable cars, they picture San Francisco's quaint trolleys. But cable-propelled transit (CPT) is a viable transportation option in the 21st century, argues Steven Dale.
Should Planners Always Strive for Efficiency?
The backlash against red-light cameras provide a cautionary tale for those who want to cut costs and raise revenue through technology.
Opening Up City Data
Next American City columnist Christian Madera looks at new efforts to get local government to make municipal data available and accessible, and some of the ways reluctant cities can be convinced to open up.
Building Cities Out of Pictures
Researchers are working on technology to help create 3D models of buildings and places by using large collections of digital photos.
The Potential of Intelligent Transportation
This post from Wired's Autopia blog looks at the history and potential of an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).
Gunfire Detection System Aids Plane Crash Investigation
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.
Like LEED, But For Roads
The niversity of Washington and CH2M HILL have released a new sustainability rating system for roads.
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.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
