Introduction to ‘Planning Support Systems for Sustainable Urban Development’

Abstract

Planning Support Systems (PSS) are geo-information-technology-based instruments that are dedicated to supporting those involved in planning in the performance of their specific tasks (Batty 1995; Klosterman 1997). The term PSS appeared on the planning scene in the mid-1980s thanks to its progenitor, Britton Harris, although the concept of building instruments dedicated to the support of planning activities dates back much further. In this first introductory chapter a brief demarcation of the concept of PSS will be provided, besides a concise overview of the content of this book on "Planning Support Systems for Sustainable Urban Development".