The Application of GeoPlanner in Local Development Management

Abstract

Motives: Local development can be supported by GIS-based tools and many solutions are being developed. They can be helpful in supporting more sustainable decision-making processes in public administration and can be used by stakeholders taking part in shaping common space. However, many of these tools are not used by practitioners in their daily activities. Therefore, the added value of this research is to examine how local development might benefit from further implementation of GIS solutions.Aim: The aim of this study was to verify whether a model designed in ArcGIS GeoPlanner is considered a useful tool by local stakeholders (representatives of public authorities and NGOs), and which issues in local development could be potential areas of application of similar models.Results: The model was tested during a workshop focused on transforming the local food system of Wrocław, Poland. Most participants declared that they rarely use GIS-based tools (less than once a month) or that they do not use them at all; however, they were willing to incorporate these tools into their activities if they meet their needs. An ex-post evaluation revealed that the use of GeoPlanner can help strengthen a knowledge-based approach during social participation. Participants were eager to use different functionalities of GeoPlanner to modify land use structure guided by a real-time verification of indicator-based results. Finally, a too detailed model can also be perceived as not helpful in regional planning. The user-friendly interface of GeoPlanner helped users develop a shared understanding of urban systems and design action plans, and contributed to capacity building by local stakeholders and raising their awareness.