Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
urban planning process in Spain, Italy and France respectively. Reflecting the dif-
ferences in the organisation of planning, there is less interest in the technical
aspects of map production in comparison with the discussion in the German liter-
ature, but instead a stronger emphasis on communicative and design aspects.
The opportunities that GIS and computer visualisation offer for the digital pro-
duction of plans and the involvement of non-expert groups since the early 1990s
have changed the context of planning cartography. In Germany, this led in the
1990s to increasing interest in the graphic and design requirements of new com-
munication media (cf. Rase, 1991), the requirements of different user groups
(experts and lay people) for efficient cartographic representations in planning (Lut-
terbach, 1998), and in methods and techniques for the presentation of continuous
and qualitative planning data using computer visualisation (Rase, 1998).
Reflecting the differences in the planning systems, different scholars (Moll,
1991, 1992; Neuman, 1996; Gabellini, 1996; Lussault, 1994) place slightly differ-
ent emphasis on individual instruments, though there is some overlap between the
different categorisations of 'maps' in use in the planning process. The typology
suggested by Moll (1991, 1992), complemented by other references wherever
suitable, presents a useful starting point for a better understanding of types of
'maps' in planning. For the process of preparing legally binding plans, Moll (1992)
suggested a functional differentiation into internal and external maps (Box 3.2).
Internal maps
are predominantly used for analysis and reference: they are working
maps for internal use within the public administration. They do not have specific
requirements in terms of attractive design, but it is important that they are available
quickly and that they represent factually relevant information. With
external maps
,
Moll (1992) describes those 'planning maps' that are intended for reproduction.
Base maps in the planning process have the primary function of information,
whereas participation and 'final' maps in German planning are usually legally
binding (Moll, 1992). This implies that quality and attractive design are more
important than for internal maps.
Moll's categorisation (1991, 1992) reflects the regulatory and largely
depoliticised nature of German planning, but other scholars have put more
emphasis on aspects of planning such as political reporting and the involvement of
wider user groups. Lussault (1994), although suggesting a similar typology of
'planning maps' to Moll, has highlighted the central role of the planner in the
process. He has argued that the effective use of cartographic representations in
the different phases of the planning process requires two essential kinds of exper-
tise: (1) to understand and represent the complexity of the urban reality and at the
same time the virtual space and consequences of the proposed planning project,
and (2) well developed communication skills for mediation between a wide range
of social actors with the aim of reaching consensus.
