Technology
Google Earth Goes into the Deep Blue
New updates to the online visualization program Google Earth add oceans to the image-based virtual version of the planet.
Google Earth First!
Environmental activists and other organizations are using Google Earth to document environmental damage and to promote their various causes.
Open Source for Planners
Mark Gorton, creator of Limewire started developing his GeoServer software in 1999. Recently Portland adopted the software to plan bus routes. Gorton wants to foster a new revolution in participatory planning.
Magnetic Bus Idea To Test In Oregon
Transit officials in Eugene, Oregon, have announced plans to install a test route for a magnet-guided bus technology.
Streetsblog: Advocacy Journalism and the Reconquering of the American City
The Internet is a trove of great ideas about improving cities. Filling blogs and personal websites, the vast majority of ideas out there are little more than that: ideas. New York City's Streetsblog -- now a growing nationwide force -- is transforming the conversation into action.
Pending Ruling By Congress May Subvert Local Zoning Authority
The telecommunications industry is pressuring Congress to add language to upcoming bill that would preempt local zoning authority if they 'take too long' to approve cell phone towers or sites.
Home of the Future Hits Las Vegas
The "New American Home" for 2009 debuted last week at the International Builders Symposium in Las Vegas. The 9,000 sq. ft. home features the most recent developments in energy efficiency.
NYT Pushes Hybrid Credits and Auto Scrapping
This editorial suggests three strategies to make the American auto fleet more efficient: renewing the hybrid tax credit program (many credits have been exhausted), pursuing a "cash for clunkers program", and increasing the gas tax to supplement CAFE.
Giving Highways New Life
The author of this article offers a few ideas on how to better use our 46,000 miles of highway. From the integration of rail lines to the development of electricity distribution grids, the interstate has more potential than it seems.
Tracking Inauguration Traffic in 4-D
In an effort to help officials and tourists in Washington D.C. deal with inauguration crowds, researchers at the University of Maryland have created a "four-dimensional" map that tracks traffic and road conditions in real time.
Cars Are Here To Stay, Transit Is Not The Answer
UC Davis Professor Daniel Sperling, a transportation expert and member of CA's ARB has co-written "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability". In this radio interview, Sperling describes cleaner auto technologies but dismisses transit's role.
Wind Turbine Bridge Stirs Imaginations
A proposed bridge going over the Columbia River in the Portland-Vancouver area may be able to power itself with wind turbines integrated right onto the design.
Recycling Becomes an Economic Liability
Due to consumers cutting back, the global market for recyclables has collapsed and even begun to cost some cities' recycling programs.
Electric Car Race Heats Up
It's clear that both domestic and international auto companies are gearing up to manufacture all-electric (battery-powered) vehicles, though whether the market goes for them is another story with gas prices at historic lows.
City Mandates Pet Tracking
San Marcos, Texas, joins a handful of other cities around the country in requiring pet owners to monitor their pets electronically.
Cities See The Light
Through festivals, lighting master plans, and creative integrations of artistic interpretations, cities across the world are harnessing the power of light to reinvigorate neglected areas and renew public interest.
Location, Location, Location: Brought To You By GIS
A new GIS-based service promises to improve on real estate agents by using GIS data to locate promising sites to locate for business.
New York City Park Wi-Fi Fizzles
Plans to install free Wi-Fi internet in New York City parks has fallen through. Unable to find corporate sponsors, the private contractor leading the project has been forced to remove all equipment. But the idea may not be completely dead.
Skyscraper Farms, Agriculture for the Future?
Thirty-story buildings used for crop-growing is a good idea on paper, but the challenges still outweigh the benefits.
A Second Federal Commission Pushes Fuel Tax Hike
Exactly a year after the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission released its report calling for a fuel tax hike, the National Surface Transportation Infrastructure Financing Commission calls for much of the same.
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
Tyler Technologies
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
