Related to Charles' article about google maps and satellite images… The emerging MemoryMap pool on Flickr, where people annotate maps and photos (frequently taken from google maps) with their memories linked to specific places, takes the Google map service to a new fun level. So why not bring this into the planning process? Maps, like this example here
Related to Charles' article about google maps and satellite images…
The emerging MemoryMap pool on Flickr, where people annotate maps and photos (frequently taken from google maps) with their memories linked to specific places, takes the Google map service to a new fun level. So why not bring this into the planning process? Maps, like this example here, could be used to create asset maps of communities or to create exercises in a public engagement process. Imagine providing a collection of aerial images that community residents (past and present) could annotate with personal stories and real values - the 'heart and soul' stuff about the community.
The lack of ability to spatially reference images is a shortfall, but there might be something on the horizon that provides this spatial component.
Tim Lauer describes in his weblog education/technology how Mappr! extends the functionality of Flickr...
Mappr! is an interactive environment for exploring place, based on the photos people take and tag on Flickr. Right now the data used by Mappr is based on the tags that people add to the images they post on Flickr. ... Flickr already takes advantage of the EXIF meta data associated with each picture. It isn't too hard to imagine a time in the near future where the digital camera you use will also capture GPS data and stores that along with the other meta data. I'm hoping that Mappr becomes a bit more transparent and allows individual users to map their own images.
While tools like ESRI's ePlanning application give internet visitors the ability to annotate maps that are spatially referenced, it's the cheap (can you say free?) and easy-to-use quality of these tools that makes them particularly attractive. Just think about the Mappr technology on a smaller scale, let's say a neighborhood map, where pictures show up that you collected in a school kids exercise as a kick-start for a citizens summit. Participants could experience it on the web and planners could integrate it into their GIS Analysis.
Urban Planning might get fun…

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners
How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

San Francisco’s Muni Ridership Grew in 2024
The system saw its highest ridership since before the Covid-19 pandemic, but faces a severe budget shortage in the coming year.

Colorado Lawmakers Move to Protect BRT Funding
In the face of potential federal funding cuts, CDOT leaders reasserted their commitment to planned bus rapid transit projects.

Safe Streets Funding in Jeopardy
The Trump administration is specifically targeting bike infrastructure and other road safety projects in its funding cuts.
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
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland
