Spatial decision support systems for the management of informal settlements

Abstract Informal settlements are characterized by rapid, unstructured expansion, poorly constructed buildings, and destruction of the local ecosystem. The improvement of living conditions in informal settlements is best tackled at the local level. Effective local planning and management, however, can only be made through access to adequate geo-spatial data. This paper considers a number of promising trends in the realm of spatial information and the contribution which each of these may make to greater capability, validity and accessibility in an Interactive Decision Environment (IDE) for urban planning and management. The potential development directions reported in this article offer increased capabilities for frequent data update, new directions for modeling and visualization, and wider data accessibility and dissemination. We examine the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for managing living quality improvement in informal settlements. Data capture options are then explored with emphasis on the potential of imagery derived from low-cost digital aerial imagery. Developments towards automatically generating two- and three-dimensional settlement models from this imagery using remote sensing and digital image analysis techniques are outlined. We conclude with an examination of the integration of visualization technologies in IDE and their role in the dissemination of spatial (and other) information for urban planning.

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