GIS and the scientific inputs to planning. Part 2: prediction and prescription

In the second of two papers in which the author looks at how GIS can support analytical activities in urban planning, the potential contribution of the technology in <I>predictive </I>and <I>prescriptive </I>analysis is discussed. These activities are defined in terms of their substantive content, and the potential contributions of GIS are explored under the headings of <I>visualisation, data organisation and management, </I>and <I>spatial analysis. </I>It is argued that GIS has limited use in predictive analysis but is potentially well adapted to handling prescriptive problems. In a concluding section the author picks up points made in both papers, identifying general principles for GIS-based planning analysis and suggesting that GIS technology offers opportunities to improve the quality of planning decisions through its support of both formal and informal analysis.