Developing integrated analytical planning tools

Part 1 - integrated analytics and why use in the urban development challenge

By Simon Massey & Martin Karm

As our technology capabilities improve, so too should our analytics for solving complex problems and making informed investment decisions for growing our cities and urban areas. Drawing on our experience from developing smart scenario planning tools for School Infrastructure NSW, Simon and I will be publishing a series of thought pieces over the next couple of weeks. The thoughts will focus on making the move into the integrated analytics space and why and how such moves make for better and more informed decisions about urban development and infrastructure investment.

Part one prosecutes the case for why organisations should make the leap into developing an integrated analytical tool.

We now have access to more data and information than ever before – lets analyse it to make informed decisions.

A challenge for 21st century urban and regional planners is the complexity and integration of datasets to inform land use and infrastructure decisions. We have more data and information than ever before, which can confuse and overload us when an appropriate vehicle is not available to simplify and make sense of the information.

“Traditional” (or noughties) tools included the likes of GIS, excel datasheets, Power BI dashboards and a heavy reliance on external consultants to collect and make sense of data and information. While effective in their own right, they operate in fragmented ways rather than as one coherent, powerful analytical system that takes planners on a start-to-end journey from initial concepts through to decision making.

Furthermore, smarter land use planning using recent technology advancements in cloud-based computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence can produce better analysis, more quickly and efficiently than the tools traditionally used. Virtual Singapore is one example where a three-dimensional micro-simulation model and collaborative data platform are being used for decision-making. Similarly, the UK are currently developing a new Data & Analytics Facility for National Infrastructure [DAFNI], a next generation integrated platform to bridge the gap between academic research, data analysis and strategic infrastructure planning. Part of the integrated analytics power now available is in simulating potential solutions and plans that can be rigorously tested before progressing forward with investment decisions.

In New South Wales, Australia, School Infrastructure NSW uses a bespoke micro-simulation tool, the School Planning Assistance [SPA] tool, to test potential infrastructure solutions under various scenarios using one web-based interface instead of multiple spreadsheets, GIS and other data applications. School Infrastructure NSW made the technological leap because the urban environment and schools are connected in multiple ways and a need arises to integrate an ever-larger suite of data, calculations and visual cues to help strategic school planners make informed decisions about future development and investment decisions.

Many organisations will face similar challenges that require the integration of big data sets and analysis in a user-friendly environment. Further reasons to make the analytical leap is the fragmented way in which data and information is created, collected, stored and assessed under traditional planning tools, potentially leading to higher risks of subconscious biases, lack of comprehending complex integrated issues and sometimes an unawareness of decision impacts. When planners are placed under time pressures to deliver strategic plans because of the speed of population growth / social change, these risks are likely to be exacerbated. For example, in school infrastructure, this may mean errors in the timing, location or size of new or upgraded schools. Integrated analytical planning tools using cloud-based platforms and web-based applications can be the saviour.

In our view, investing in integrated analytical tools improves the capabilities of your organisation in a multifaceted world of information overload and complex integration between land uses, population growth and policy investment decisions.

Our next piece will focus on scenario planning. Until then feel free to comment or share this thought piece as we would love to hear and learn about your thoughts and integrated analytical planning tools being developed.