Abstract: This paper was prepared in response to the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS) 1999 Summer Assembly application challenge. The purpose of that assembly was to review the achievements and implications of geographic information science relevant to urban and regional planning. The review identified five areas of geographic information science contributions: geographic information database development for planning-related analysis; integration of geospatial technologies with urban models; building of planning support systems; facilitating discourse and participation in the planning process; and evaluation of planning practice and technological impact. Those five areas were evaluated against UCGIS research and educational challenges. While the scientific progress in building tools to support planning process is impressive, there has been little effort to provide practical guidance on strategic information management, to institutionalize information and decision support tools, and to transfer the technology to planning settings. This shortcoming in diffusion of planning tools limits the utility of science to policy and decision making that is so essential for developing environmentally, socially, and economically healthy communities.

The educational process, which is the first major step in technology transfer, has many challenges of its own, including the availability of materials suitable for training planning professionals and other participants in the planning process and the provision of the infrastructure needed for teaching and research. Therefore, further research and policy development in the following areas would enhance the application of planning support systems and tools: education and technology transfer; database building, maintenance, and access; standardization; and legal issues.