THE ROLE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) IN URBAN PLANNING

Abstract

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a pivotal role in modern urban planning by offering advanced tools and methodologies for managing and analyzing spatial data. This study outlines the multifaceted contributions of GIS to urban planning, highlighting its impact on decision-making and planning efficiency. GIS integrates diverse data types—such as topographic, demographic, and infrastructure information—into a unified system, allowing for comprehensive spatial analysis. By layering these data sets on interactive maps, GIS enables urban planners to visualize and evaluate complex relationships between various urban elements. This capability is essential for optimizing site selection, assessing environmental impacts, and planning infrastructure. One of the key strengths of GIS is its ability to perform spatial analysis, which supports site selection and impact assessment. Planners can use GIS to evaluate potential locations for new developments, analyze the effects of projects on traffic and environmental conditions, and model various planning scenarios. This predictive power enhances the accuracy of planning decisions and helps mitigate potential negative outcomes.