Technology

Microsoft Knows Where You're Going

Microsoft uses GPS data collected from your trips to predict where you're going and give you advice on how to get there more efficiently.

May 12, 2010 - Fast Company

Transit and Car-Sharing Get Boost from Technology

The increase in transit ridership and carsharing isn't just due to the rise in gas prices, but also the rise in new technologies providing up-to-the-minute reports on location and ride availability.

May 11, 2010 - New Urban News email

The Sustainable Transportation Divide

Grist's David Roberts attended a national conference on the future of transportation at Ohio State in early May and noticed a divide in the concluding discussion on how panelists approached the issue of sustainability in transportation.

May 10, 2010 - Grist

Iron Man 2 and the Future of Energy

The plot of the summer blockbuster Iron Man 2 revolves around a fictional 1974 Expo, with the slogan "Better Living Through Technology." Managing Editor Tim Halbur says the film reflects the misplaced faith in technology and innovation that still drives Americans optimism.

May 9, 2010 - Tim Halbur

Chinatown: The Video Game

"Participatory Chinatown" is a computer game designed to increase public participation in the planning process in Boston.

May 7, 2010 - The Boston Globe

The Future, Interactive Built Environment

Filmmaker Keiichi Matsuda imagines a future where augmented reality is everywhere, blanketing the built environment with advertising and interactive elements.

May 7, 2010 - Vimeo

Security Cameras to Invade Manhattan

In the wake of an attempted car bombing in New York City's Times Square, officials are calling for the expanded use of security cameras throughout Manhattan.

May 6, 2010 - Agence France Presse

Clean Cars: Salvation or Problem?

Alternative energy cars: will they be our salvation, or will they perpetuate auto-dependency? Jan Lundberg critiques the Sierra Club's longstanding priority on increasing fuel efficiency.

May 2, 2010 - Culture Change

A Crowdsourced Tree Census for Cities

GOOD points us to a new project that harnesses the power of citizens to create a census of trees in San Francisco.

May 2, 2010 - Good

Tech-Focused Planning for the Future of Cities

Broad thinking about the future may mean focusing on smaller, technology-based planning solutions, according to this essay from Regional Plan Association Executive Director Thomas K. Wright.

April 30, 2010 - Regional Plan Association

Inside the World of Maps

This series from the BBC looks at the art and innovation of cartography.

April 29, 2010 - BBC

New Amtrak Train Runs On Beef

Beef by-products, turned into bio-diesel, make up 20% of the fuel being used today by Amtrak's Heartland Flyer between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City.

April 28, 2010 - Fast Company

Electrify Or Die

That's the verdict from a report released April 22 by officials of Caltrain, the nearly 150-year-old commuter line connecting San Francisco, San Jose, and Peninsula suburbs. In turn, the key to electrification is cooperation with the CA HSR Authority

April 26, 2010 - San Jose Mercury News

The Rise of the Electric Bike

In China, an estimated 120 million electric bicycles are on the streets. So why haven't they caught on in the U.S.? Reporter Alan Durning thinks its time.

April 25, 2010 - WorldChanging

Planning for Smart Regions

The Regional Plan Association recently held their Annual Regional Assembly, focused this year on technology and innovation. Thomas K. Wright of the RPA talks about some of the smart ideas that came out of the assembly.

April 25, 2010 - Citiwire.net

Honolulu's Rail Plan Debated Amongst Engineers

A Univ. of HI civil engineering professor blasts the professional engineering group of Hawaii's endorsement of the planned, elevated rail system. Voters supported the system in a 2008 election, but it has since become politically contentious.

April 21, 2010 - (Honolulu) Star Bulletin

Free Tools to Connect Your City

Why build your own? There are several free web applications out there that help cities interface with their citizens. Christian Madera picks the best.

April 17, 2010 - Next American City

Bringing the Creative Class to Wales

BBC News reports on a development touting itself as an 'urban village' that hopes to rejuvenate run-down High Street in Swansea, U.K. It features a series of courtyards with shops, offices, restaurants and apartments.

April 14, 2010 - BBC News

A Parking Spot Nearby, But With a Price

A new service allows drivers in New York City to pay a fee to find an available parking spot in their vicinity.

April 13, 2010 - The New York Times

The Rise of Soft Infrastructure

Infrastructure is undeniably important to our cities and places, but a new kind of infrastructure -- soft infrastructure -- is becoming increasingly important.

April 13, 2010 - The Architect's Newspaper

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.