Guides and Tools

Over the past three decades, both urban experts and software developers have been working to produce some useful aids to decision-making. Among the most important results are Guides to "Best Practices". These contain "how-to" information and case studies presented in a logical way, so that individual urban decision-makers can avoid some of the pitfalls that others have faced, and apply methods that have already been tested in the field.

Guides tend to be aimed at professional and technical managers and staff below the level of senior decision-makers. Their advantage is that they usually avoid technical language and concentrate attention on processes of value to decision-makers, such as how to conduct successful consultations with residents on issues of urban planning and development.

In addition, urban experts and software production companies have developed different computer programs available free of charge, or for sale. These assist with basic decision-support tasks, like mapping, statistical analysis, or assessment of different policy choices. Included here are either examples of or links to:

Simulation models for assessing impacts of alternative policy choices. These allow you to put in different data and assumptions and see how they would work out over time.

Geographic Information Systems permitting you to map a wide range of urban data by location. Often, seeing different types of land uses and human activities in the form of maps laid one on top of the other will highlight existing or emerging problems and opportunities.

Diagnostic tools for assessing local environmental needs and capabilities. These can help you to determine priorities among different environmental issues.

Models for forecasting demand for urban services and facilities, such as transportation, communication, water supply, and housing.

Models for calculating energy requirements of different urban development patterns, as well as of buildings and facilities.
Environmentally Sound Technologies – MaESTro

Financial planning models for assessing pay-back periods associated with various energy, water, and waste management alternatives.

Systems of indicators to permit urban decision-makers to assess whether policies and programs are having the desired effects.

Environmental Management Systems for checking the environmental impacts of urban operations on a comprehensive basis, as well as environmental auditing methods to support these systems.

The vast majority of tools are geared to the functions and tasks of those operating at the technical level in regions and cities. Some are very demanding to use, requiring large amounts of basic data, sophisticated computers, or specialized staff to use them effectively. Where this appears to be the case about a given tool, the Website notes this possibility.

Back to Finding Solutions	Go to Site Map