Strategic planning for diversified growth

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's most modern and progressive cities. It has a population of more than 900,000 which is expected to grow to approximately 3.1 million by 2030, according to the Plan 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) was established to manage and structure this growth and outline the future of Abu Dhabi's urban environments and urban development strategy, as well as develop the 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan. The UPC oversees development, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning, and quality of life.

The UPC also ensures that public and private land and infrastructure development proposals are in line with the emirate's long term development vision. Accordingly, major developments are subject to a review process which must fit within the framework contained within the plan. The UPC coordinates with other government agencies, such as the Department of Transport, the Environment Agency, municipalities, and utility providers to discuss development proposals and respond to infrastructure demands.

Decisions are made based on detailed recommendations from review and planning officials and members of the UPC. This consists of several members of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and is chaired by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Geospatial Web portal developed for the UPC

Applying GIS Technology

To support its goals, the UPC has turned to the use of geographic information systems (GIS) and has employed the services of GeoDecisions_®, Gannett Fleming's geospatial and information technology division. GeoDecisions is on-site at the UPC to provide enterprise level GIS support and outline a strategy to integrate geospatial technologies into the UPC's urban planning initiatives.

Spatial information, such as plots, buildings, master plans, zoning and land use, and transportation networks, is a critical element in the urban planning process. It is used to track multiple urban and regional statistics and forecast community needs. Geospatial technologies help planning agencies identify problems, respond to them efficiently, and communicate the results to a wide audience. Because of the significance of its objectives, the UPC's top priority was to implement a robust, enterprise GIS from a targeted strategic plan that supports informed decision making.

As part of the project, GeoDecisions is performing a foundational strategic plan. The plan serves as a guide for how GIS and information technology can be integrated into existing systems, operations, and decision-making processes to support new initiatives and enterprise data management.

Also included in the consultancy services are designing, modeling, and implementing an enterprise geodatabase, developing and implementing protocols for data versioning and cartographic symbology standards, and designing and supporting the deployment of the necessary network, hardware, and software infrastructure required for the enterprise GIS. These geospatial technologies can prove to be an effective decision-making and planning tool in the area of urban planning. For the UPC, one of its greatest challenges is overseeing the rapid growth and development of the region. GIS is an effective and significant tool for rational and effective planning and decision making, helping to plan, monitor, coordinate, and utilize important databases regarding urban features.

Geospatial Web portal developed for the UPC

Improving Efficiencies

GeoDecisions is developing and implementing procedures and tools to standardize the integration of land planning and development data from real estate developers. For example, an interactive Web portal was developed to aid planners, developers, and members of the public in accessing real-time information development projects in Abu Dhabi. The portal enables its users to view development information as well as planning guidelines related to a specified location.

In addition, the portal makes short and long-term urban development plans available to property owners, investors, and the general public. The map portal complements online regulation and policies documents from a geographic perspective, in order to show stakeholders how the UPC works as a planning agency and authority over the emirate.

An internal Web portal, GeoPlanner, was also developed to facilitate planning processes and collaboration within the UPC and across other organizations, such as municipalities, development companies, and consultants. GeoPlanner provides a wide range of data mapping, search, analysis, and administration tools with a basis of the latest ArcGIS® Server and Flash^TM technologies. GeoPlanner allows planners to easily identify master plans, planning policies, and regulations for any location or area, to better organize documents and data in various formats, and to visually track the development proposal review and approval processes.

With the UPC at the central position of the emirate-wide development planning process, these geospatial technologies help facilitate ambitious urban planning and development initiatives, while also ensuring that Abu Dhabi is developed with strong sustainability, high livability, and a clearly asserted cultural and social identity.