Technology
Ten Innovations for the Cities of the Near Future
The World Economic Forum offers a reminder of just how drastically things could change, and soon, in cities.
The Future of Mapping is Going Indoors
Cartographers have a new world to map, as technology opens up the interiors of malls, museums, and other large spaces to online exploration.
A Robot to Go the 'Last Mile'
Contrary to one some urbanists believe, some of the advancements of the new economy might better serve less dense, even suburban, environments. Example: a delivery robot created by the co-founders of Skype.
Mapping U.S. Road Fatalities from 2003-2014
An intrepid mapmaker and data cruncher has created a map that illustrates the ubiquity of fatalities on U.S. roads and highways.
How to Get Lost in a City Using a Smartphone
Maybe Halloween isn't the best night for it—but otherwise consider the weekend as a good time to get lost in a city.
Technologies for Understanding Cities
Researchers are examining technologies that can aid in understanding many aspects of our cities, from how citizens interact in plan making, where residents use social media, and how to understand our changing communities.
Humans Faulted in Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
Reports from the California DMV blame human drivers for minor collisions involving Google's self-driving cars. Drive carefully in Mountain View.
What Does the Connected Home Mean for Energy Policy?
As cities look to the Internet of Things to reimagine urban infrastructure, one hope is that real-time data collection will help increase energy efficiency at the regional level. Where do homes outfitted with a network of smart devices fit in?
The Hidden Costs of Building Green
New green buildings may be de riguer, but preservation does less harm.
An Online Portal for Making Sense of Toronto Traffic Data
With so many potential sources of data with which to analyze traffic behaviors and real-time conditions, University of Toronto engineers have created an online portal that could one day help drive a system populated with autonomous cars.
A Super Energy-Efficient Home for the Alaskan Frontier
An engineer from Fairbanks, Alaska, has built a house that is "kept toasty without fossil fuels and uses a mere fraction of the energy typically needed, even at 30 below."
Interactive Map Allows Comparisons of the Nation's Traffic Camera Systems
Some cities take their surveillance of traffic violations very seriously. Washington, D.C., this time we're looking at you.
Teaching Students the Power of GIS
Ninth graders in Soldotna, Alaska, were introduced to geographic information systems (GIS) by a team of volunteers who spent two days illustrating how GIS technology is used in analyzing complex systems.
Can Los Angeles Regulate Airbnb?
Several Los Angeles neighborhoods, Venice in particular, have become hotbeds of short-term rental activity. Upset by a stream of raucous visitors, residents wonder whether the city can—or will—enforce regulations on platforms like Airbnb.
New York's Visionary Model of Utilities Reform
Utilities profit from building more power plants—a flawed model for a diminishing natural monopoly.
Drones and Robots Filling in for Japan's Shortage of Construction Workers
With fewer human workers available to meet demand, Japanese construction company Komatsu is turning to automated equipment and drones.
Waze Index Ranks Driver Satisfaction
One of the world's most popular navigation apps, Waze, has aggregated the data generated by 50 million users to develop a "Driver's Satisfaction Index." Perhaps surprisingly, auto-oriented Phoenix, Arizona leads all cities on the index.
Tips for Planners to Design Memorable Tourism Experiences
Tourists' expectations when they travel are becoming increasingly sophisticated, seeking stimulating and meaningful experiences. The new book Gamification in Tourism shares how cities are designing memorable experiences.
Mainstreaming the Golf Cart
Seniors are on the cutting edge of a movement to make Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs), otherwise known as golf carts, a viable form of everyday transportation.
Mercedes-Benz Bets on a Suburban Future
From a new Silicon Valley facility, Mercedes' R&D department is developing car-share services based on a vision of 21st-century suburbs. The company is also testing self-driving prototypes and electric models.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
