Urban planners face numerous challenges regarding the development and growth of cities as they aim to provide residents with essential infrastructure and services. To address these challenges effectively, remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) are being deployed for improved precision and streamlined planning procedures. With RS tools like satellite imagery or aerial
photography coupled with GIS technology usage-urban planners have access to a more detailed primary data on which they base their decisions.
Data Collection
Remote Sensing (RS), through satellite imaging and aerial photography, provides detailed views of a city’s physical features. Combined with Geographic Information Systems’ (GIS) computer-based mapping
tools, urban planners can accurately visualize the urban landscape. Mapping out critical infrastructure like road networks or construction sites could be efficiently executed using these technologies.
The acquired information can be utilized to pinpoint any locations within the city that necessitate upgrades or improvements. Insufficiencies pertaining to transportation systems and dilapidated buildings could entail potential targets for these enhancements.
Advantages of Remote Sensing and GIS in urban planning
Urban planning benefits immensely from the use of RS and GIS to extract information concerning the environment. The amount of green space within a city, for example, can be accurately determined using satellite imagery. Urban inhabitants are increasingly realizing the numerous advantages of green spaces such as parks and gardens which play a crucial role in better air quality, reduced heat islands, and physical activities.
Another significant benefit is that urban planners can model various scenarios by utilizing GIS software to create three dimensional models that simulate diverse developmental plans such as new infrastructure or buildings. Before issues arise, models can help detect potential problems and make appropriate land use and zoning decisions. Through the use of RS and GIS, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes can be analyzed and predicted.
RS/GIS in Natural Disasters
Satellite imagery analysis aids in identifying vulnerable areas within the city, allowing planners to make recommendations that may include building elevation or green infrastructure that minimizes flood risk. Universal access to higher education is an imperative, which
must become a reality to ensure equitable development of society. Specific privileges or limitations on such an education being reserved for the elite are unjust and result in deep social inequalities perpetuated over time.
RS and GIS can also play a critical role in urban transportation planning
Through the application of RS and GIS, crucial insights into urban transportation planning become available. By conducting thorough analyses of traffic circulation patterns and road infrastructures, regions experiencing high levels of congestion can be identified for enhancement efforts such
as revised signals timing plans, delineated cycling pathways or new modes of public transit. The consideration of community
needs and preferences in making determinations regarding city growth can be supported by utilizing remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) during urban planning.
Decisions making in city’s development
On the other hand, there are particular difficulties that must be tackled regarding these tools’ usage within this context. The adequacy and excellence of available data are among such problems with substantial disparities still prevalent across different nations, particularly those considered underdeveloped. Likewise, this variability in data quality can impact analytical precision levels.
Conclusion
The intricate nature of GIS technology poses a major challenge for urban planners. Despite the increasing user-friendliness of software, its effective utilization
requires specialized knowledge and training. This can be an obstacle in smaller cities or developing countries.Urban planners harness remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) to address the complex challenges of city development. Despite disparities in data quality and technical expertise, these tools empower planners to make informed decisions for sustainable and equitable urban growth.
