Geospatial technologies for physical planning: Bridging the gap between earth science and planning

Abstract

The application of geospatial information technologies have increased recently due to increase in data sources from the earth sciences. The systematic data collection, storage and processing together with data transformation require geospatial information technologies. Rapidly developing computer technology has become an effective tool in design and physical planning in international platforms. Especially, the availability of geospatial information technologies (remote sensing, GIS, spatial models and GPS) for diverse disciplines and the capability of these technologies in data conversion from two dimensions to the three dimension provide great efficiency. This study explores how digital technologies are reshaping physical planning and design. While the potential of digital technologies is well documented within physical planning and visualisation, its application within practice is far less understood. This paper highlights the role of the geospatial information technologies in encouraging a new planning and design logic that moves from the privileging of the visual to a focus on processes of formation, bridging the interface of the earth science and physical planning.