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Geodesign: Using Data Transparency and Community Voices for Enhanced Land-Use Planning

Land use planning for the future needs to embrace the latest technologies and tools, as well as how to grasp all the data available about places (without being overwhelmed!).  New changes in geospatial tools and technologies enables a shift from data-overload towards data sensibility.  Geodesign, rooted in decades of refinement, is a place-based planning process that joins values-laden creative problem solving with geospatial data in a collaborative approach. Admittedly, the geo-design process is a little more intensive than traditional land planning practices, however the ability to truncate the usual planning timeline, plus Geo-design’s track record of success, far exceeds concerns about transitioning to this contemporary land use planning process.

Key to Geo-design’s success is a unique framework that structures the process to embrace the latest in GIS, visualization, and social science.  The Geodesign framework is effective at a variety of scales and for a range of critical planning topics, from urban infill or infrastructure siting to environmental conservation.  The framework prejudices local stakeholders and community input, recognizing the importance of human- capital.  Stakeholders react well to data transparency and being able to see – in real time mapping and “dashboards”—consequences of various land use choices.  Geodesign works to guide stakeholders to a consensus vision for the future through the process of collaboration and negotiation that is enlivened by geospatial technologies that visualize scenario alternatives in real time.  The audience will understand how their skills and expertise are a perfect fit for playing a key role in Geodesign teams; they will realize the efficiencies and effectiveness of deploying dynamic technologies during the Geodesign process, and they will gain insights via a real-world Geodesign case study. 

Approved for  1.25 CM credit 

More information contact Peter Wulfhorst, 570-296-3400.