The development of software systems to aid in physical planning

This paper has discussed the development of a geographic physical planning system and its evaluation by users in two modes of application-one that emphasizes problem analysis and solution and one that emphasizes querying a practical data base. Results have been sufficiently encouraging that the experimental system has formed the basis of an operational system product. The initial results have also been sufficiently successful that further research is being pursued toward the addition of improved graphic presentations, city planning models, and statistical capabilities. Basic research and operational systems are being studied elsewhere in the world with good results. Each system, including the Urban Management System presented in this paper, adds to the general fund of knowledge from which all can draw. Each system also aims toward meeting the special needs of the home region in which it was developed.