Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are a useful tool for multiple disciplines and user groups. In urban development and planning, different constituencies like local authorities interact through GIS e.g. applying it in environmental agencies, transportation, energy, resource and waste management, retail, disaster management, and socio-economics. Collecting, managing, analysing and visualising data with GIS as an information sharing tool can help in different stages of planning processes – from identifying problems to evaluating different planning proposals. Working with GIS allows to create easy understandable maps and to enable communication processes.
This course introduces different practices and applications of GIS in the wider context of urban development. It suits various users from different backgrounds who are interested in spatial information and mapping. Next to a theoretical insight to GIS, in practical applications participants will learn how to create maps by using ESRI ArcGIS software and get an insight in how experts are using GIS for different purposes related to questions of planning and design.