The objective of this course is to provide participants with the fundamental knowledge and technical skills to effectively utilize GIS for planning and spatial analysis. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of spatial data, coordinate systems, and cartography.
• Perform basic to intermediate spatial analysis (e.g., buffer, overlay, proximity) relevant to planning.
• Source, manage, and integrate diverse geospatial data (e.g., census, satellite imagery, GPS).
• Create high-quality, professional maps and data visualizations for public communication.
• Apply GIS tools to analyze land use, demographic patterns, and environmental constraints.
• Utilize geoprocessing techniques to solve complex site selection and impact analysis problems.
• Effectively use major GIS software platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for project work.

• Urban and Regional Planners (Beginner to Intermediate)
• GIS Technicians and Analysts
• Environmental Consultants and Scientists
• Real Estate and Economic Development Professionals
• Public Health and Transportation Analysts
• Students in Planning, Geography, or Environmental Science
• Municipal Staff involved in asset management and mapping

• Hands-on Exercises using professional GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for common planning tasks
• Group Activities: Developing a thematic map series to support a policy position
• Case Studies demonstrating GIS use in complex planning projects (e.g., regional growth)
• Individual Exercises: Completing a land suitability analysis for a new development area
• Software demonstrations of web mapping platforms and story map creation
• Workshops on data cleaning, geocoding, and data integration techniques

Unit 1: GIS Fundamentals and Data Management

• Defining GIS, its components (hardware, software, data, people, methods), and its role in planning
• Vector (points, lines, polygons) and Raster data models and their appropriate uses
• Understanding scale, resolution, and the sources of spatial error
• Introduction to spatial data standards and metadata management

• The concept of Coordinate Systems, projections, and datum transformations
• Methods for acquiring and preparing geospatial data (e.g., GPS, remote sensing, digitization)
• Working with non-spatial data and joining tables via relational databases
• Sourcing demographic and planning data (e.g., Census, ACS, TIGER files)

Unit 2: Cartography and Visualization

• Principles of effective map design and cartographic communication (visual hierarchy, symbology)
• Selecting appropriate map types (thematic, choropleth, dot density) for planning data
• Designing for diverse audiences: public maps vs. technical documentation maps
• Legal and ethical considerations in map-making (e.g., misrepresentation, data privacy)

• Creating maps that clearly communicate complex planning concepts (e.g., sprawl, equity)
• Using layout tools, legends, north arrows, and scale bars effectively
• Introduction to web mapping and sharing spatial data via online platforms (e.g., ArcGIS Online)
• Principles of effective color selection for thematic mapping and accessibility

Unit 3: Spatial Analysis and Geoprocessing

• Geoprocessing operations: Clip, Intersect, Union, and Erase for data manipulation
• Conducting buffer analysis and proximity analysis for planning applications
• Performing spatial queries and selections using attribute and location data
• Calculating geometric properties (area, length, perimeter) and summarizing statistics

• Overlay analysis and its application in land suitability modeling and constraint mapping
• Network analysis basics: finding shortest paths, service area delineation (e.g., transit access)
• Raster analysis techniques: slope, aspect, and viewshed analysis for site planning
• Introduction to basic spatial statistics (e.g., mean center, spatial autocorrelation)

Unit 4: GIS for Planning Applications

• Developing and maintaining comprehensive land use and zoning map layers
• Analyzing land use change over time and measuring urban growth patterns
• Using GIS for density calculations, floor area ratio (FAR), and impervious cover analysis
• Modeling the impact of proposed zoning changes on population and housing capacity

• Mapping environmental constraints: wetlands, floodplains, steep slopes, and habitat areas
• Using GIS for infrastructure asset management (water pipes, roads, streetlights)
• Analyzing utility service areas, capacity, and identifying infrastructure gaps
• Applications in site selection for parks, schools, and essential facilities

Unit 5: Integration and Future Trends

• Integrating GIS into the comprehensive plan update process (data collection, analysis, alternatives)
• Using GIS in public participation: interactive mapping and engagement tools
• Introduction to 3D visualization and planning (e.g., city models)
• Emerging trends: real-time GIS, big data integration, and remote sensing applications