California Planning Agency Experiences with Automated Mapping and Geographic Information Systems

Powerful computing tools, including geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design (CAD), and thematic mapping packages, have been developed for producing maps and manipulating geographic information. Various types of computer-assisted mapping systems have been incorporated into planning practice. Research has shown that a significant number of local planning agencies in California either had or were planning to implement some type of mapping system. The experience of agencies that have already developed automated mapping systems can greatly benefit those just beginning to move into this new technology. A mail survey of Californian planning agencies shows that they use a large number of minicomputer systems and stand-alone microcomputers for mapping purposes, that a majority of the systems are some type of GIS, and that most of the thematic mapping packages are in agencies with larger systems. The major software packages being used are identified and an attempt is made to see how hardware and software configurations are changing over time. Land parcel mapping and traditional planning tasks related to the general plan appear to be the most important urban planning applications of these existing systems. Implementation and development problems based on hardware, software, and institutional factors are also explored. The respondents were either pleased with their investment in this technology or thought it was too early to tell. A few had experienced some cost overruns, generally in the area of base map preparation of attribute data acquisition.