GIS for Planners
Analysis using Geographic Information Systems 
Course Introduction
Are you able to do some maps in GIS but want to go further? Have you taken our beginners course? If the anwer to any if questions is yes, then you should consider this course.
This is a level 2 course complementary to our beginners course in where students are given the opportunity to apply their basic understanding of mapping into practical exercises. In this course students would learn practical applications including:
Sheds analysis: Calculating areas of influences, proximity analysis and spatial trends for all type of planning works
Visualizsation: Developing realistic representations of a situation by using easy-to-use software
Cartography: Improving the quality of maps by using advanced cartographic features
Statistical analysis: Develop sophisticated analyses that provide insight into the data available.
This is a hands-on course and students will get the opportunity to not only advance their knowledge in GIS and computer mapping but also to work in specific data and situations relevant to their professional practice.
Course Objectives
At the end of the workshop participants will be able to use GIS tools to:
- produce geographic planning analyses such as catchment analysis of commercial and residential developments
- obtain and use the census data for demographic studies
- produce maps and graphical representations of complex concepts that are accessible to decision-makers and community members
- produce attractive and professional maps and graphical representations independently of the software tools available in their practice.
Through accessing the leading edge learning facilities for Geomatics at the University of Melbourne, a significant amount of the workshop will be devoted to hands-on application of the concepts learned in the computer lab using real information and examples for planning cases.
The workshop is suitable for professionals that have a need to conduct or supervise planning analysis in the urban environment such as structure planning, policy development, transport and traffic assessments, retail and commercial assessments, urban growth frameworks and in general most strategic planning and economic development exercises.
It will be particulary useful for statutory planners in the private and public sector that participate in the assessment of significant residential and commercial planning applications or that are required to serve as expert witnesses in contentious cases.
Urban and landscape designers will also benefit from the workshop by learning and familiarizing themselves with tools to better assess the urban context and people environment of their designs.
Who should attend?
As a prerequisite for the course students should have taken the beginners course or prove basic knowledge in mapping areas including data formats, mapping software and coordinate systems.
Course Presenter
Dr Daniel Paez
Daniel Paez is a civil engineer with a PhD in Geomatics. He has experience in planning across Australia.
Daniel Paez has published and presented extensively on topics including Geographic information systems, strategic transport planning and land-use assessments. He worked for the Victorian Government in policy development and currently Daniel works for the Department of Transport in Colombia as National Director for Transport and Transit. He is an honorary fellow of the University of Melbourne.