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Remote Sensing and G.I.S. for efficient Urban Planning


Stages of Urban planning
Urban areas face critical environmental problems which are manifested at the time of crises. To avoid such occurrences the first requirement is quantification and "resource potentiality", its availability and consumption in the urban areas which requires a comprehensive urban information system (UIS) to be developed to cater to the developmental needs of the growing urban areas.
  • Thematic map preparation from satellite data using visual interpretation techniques.
  • Generation of spatial framework in GIS environment for perspective and development plans.
  • Integration of thematic maps using GIS techniques for urban sprawl analysis and urban land use change analysis.
  • Area required for urbanisation will be determined on the basis of population projection of the city and its growth centers.
  • Calculation of land requirements for urban development based on the carrying capacity of the region.
  • Projection urban land use suitability analysis.
  • Urban environmental sensitivity analysis based upon both physical as well as air quality parameters.
  • Determination of composite functionality index to setup various amenities such as educational, medical, recreational etc.
Urban Planning Surveys
The preparation of any plan for the development of urban area requires reliable factual data regarding existing physical and social-economic conditions such as housing, transport, industries, social services and recreational facilities. The process of collection such data is called a planning survey, which consist of the following components –
  1. Preparation of Base Map.
  2. Existing land use survey
  3. Utilities and the Services survey
  4. Community facilities survey
  5. Sample household survey for collecting essential data.
For the urban development plans the base maps are to be drawn on large scale and should show all physical topography, cultural features, administrative and planning boundaries. Innovative techniques for preparation of base maps are–
  1. Aerial Photography
  2. Remote Sensing
  3. Geographical Information System.
Aerial Photography
Now a day's Aerial photography is being used for generation of base maps and other thematic maps for urban areas as it proves to be cost and time effective and reliable. Wealth of information pertaining to land features, land use, built up areas, city structure, physical aspects of environment etc is available from the aerial photography.

Remote Sensing
Satellite Remote Sensing data is used to study and monitor land features, natural resources and dynamic effects of human activities on urban areas. A broad base map of the city and city region, indicating physical features may be prepared quickly with the help of satellite imageries. Using the ground truth or interpretation key, the remote sensing data is analysed, interpreted and maps related to existing features, land use, broad settlement structure, resource analysis etc could be generated. Remote sensing data can be effectively integrated with the conventional data for analysis, planning and decision making.

Geographical Information System
GIS is a computer based system, capable of input, storage, manipulation, analysis of data useful for planning, decision making and implementation. It is a powerful tool which helps planners to view different scenarios and their outcome so that an optimal strategy may be chosen for planning and development. GIS is basically a map processing technique. Once the spatial and attribute data is generated in GIS, its application areas are many and varied. Planning agencies can acquire the P.C. based GIS system, available in the market, to have quick analysis of geo-referenced data for planning and development.

Modifications in the Urban planning approach:
For a more dynamic urban planning exercise, the following modifications in the planning approach are recommended :
  1. Flexibility : Plans must have flexibility to provide for ever-growing and ever-expanding city boundaries and provide quality of life to all inhabitants. The plan should be flexible to respond not only to the present needs but also the changing conditions in foreseeable future.
  2. Role of Actors : People’s participation in preparation of policies, perspective plan, development plan and annual plans should be ensured through elected representatives in the municipal council / corporation and ward committees.
  3. Information system : A well maintained information system can make possible the fine-tuning of the plan proposals at the various stages of implementation of the plan according to the changing urban scenario.
  4. Urbanisable Areas : The development potential may be assessed for the areas located in the periphery of the developed areas. A profile of the development potential and the possibility of optimizing the existing infrastructure should determine the prioritisation of development of these areas.
  5. Growth Centers : Given the paucity of resources, it would be more feasible and desirable to promote strategic development initiatives in the selected secondary cities, growth center and their hinterlands. In the growth centers, the location of infrastructural and environmental services could form the ‘core’ of the Development Plan.
  6. Policy Guidelines : Policy guidelines notified under law, can help in identifying priority areas, subsequent modifications in the plans and administration in general.
  7. Mixed Land Use: With a view to provide for development, the zoning regulations need to be simplified. The land use package should not be allowed to be changed by any authority, except as a part of the review of the Development Plan at the city / town level.
  8. Financial Planning: Land development and infrastructure investment need to be coordinated through integration of physical, financial and investment planning. There is the need to link spatial development plan with resource mobilization plan focusing on credit enhancement mechanisms.
  9. Land Policy and Management : As opposed to the process of compulsory land acquisition, and the related issue of low compensation rates, the ULBs should adopt collaborative approaches within the existing legal framework.
  10. Legal Framework : Plan implementation would call for a legal framework so as to make it enforceable and mandatory. The legal framework has to be supported by an effective and efficient machinery which would see that no distortion of master plan proposals take place at the ground level.
  11. Standards : Plot sizes, layout and social overheads need to be designed to reduce costs aligned to the affordability of different income groups and also the sale price for lower income groups can be reduced by differential pricing.
  12. Building Bye-laws : Building bye laws and zoning regulations for the city / town should match the local needs. However, the existing bye-laws need to be simplified and transparent, and there should not be an element of discretion. Adequate provision for parking facilities should be made.
  13. Database at Metropolitan, district and state levels :
    The planning exercise need continuous data collection, analysis interpretation and updating of data. A computer-generated data base and information system in GIS environment should be developed at various levels which would provide support to planners in development planning.
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