Approach of ICT Application to Governance in Urban Planning

Abstract

Abstract. This article discusses the use of information and communication technologies (ICT)at the local level of governance in the field of urban planning. It is based on a literature review, in order to define a set of considerations about their use in the urban context and the challenges ahead on this domain. As a starting point, there is the need of rethinking the local governance through the use of ICT related to cities, focused on the modernization of the processes associated with urban planning. Nowadays, in several societies the paradigm about cities if shifting, from an expansionist way of acting towards a regeneration and rehabilitation approach. In the case of Portugal, the local authorities; the municipalities; are the main responsible for the coordination, and integration of policies with territorial impacts. However, these policies are generally onerous and inefficient, triggering communication and information failures in between local administration and citizens. In this sense, governance should support the decision-making process related to cities' policies, engaging citizens and socio-economic agents. As the main result in this scenario, the use of ICT demonstrates the ability to play an important role in urban planning, by contributing as a simplifying tool, regarding the information and knowledge sharing, gathering local authorities, citizens and socio-economic agents. On the one hand, they promote the reduction of inefficiencies associated to the urban planning process. On the other hand, they boost the development of networks, and consequently the social and territorial cohesion. In summary, the use of ICT infrastructures works as a glue allowing the integration of several intelligence elements of the city, and operating as their base platform. Finally, the literature has revealed that the use of ICT in urban planning should be seen as a means to a wider social goal, and not as an end by itself. With the use of ICT, urban planning authorities are more likely to be aware of the city features in their multiple aspects, being able to define and monitoring the public policies, suitable to each situation, reinforcing the democracy and transparency of local governance.

Co-Planning Port–City 2030: The InterACT Approach as a Booster for Port–City Sustainable Development

“…In this regard, the International Telecommunication Union's Focus Group on Sustainable Smart Cities argues that "a smart, sustainable city is an innovative city that uses ICT and other means to improve the quality of life of its citizens while meeting the needs of present and future generations, taking into account economic, social and environmental aspects". In their ability to facilitate the creation and sharing of information and networks, ICTs as digital platforms act as binds [23] between socio-economic agents, public administration, and citizens. The innovative capacity of the port and maritime industry can determine the efficiency of its production processes, increase performance, improve process efficiency, and improve the quality of products and services in terms of sustainability [52].…”

“…Among these, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are the most widely used to date, mainly because they enable the analysis of large amounts of georeferenced data and the management of large-scale information exchange. However, such technologies are still little used in the field of urban planning of port-city interface areas, while their use is mainly related to internal management factors [23]. The gap is also reflected in the literature.…”

Development of Facilitated Participatory Spatial Information System for Selected Urban Management Services

“…In this paper, SIS is developed for selected urban management services. Urban management refers to policies, plans, programs and practice put in place to build fair, governable and sustainable city [10][11][12]. Urban management services make urban cities conducive for the inhabitants and easy to implement development projects [13][14][15].…”