The development of an urban information system: The Ann Arbor experience

With an increasing awareness of the complexity of an urban society, local government has found it increasingly difficult to effectively plan and manage a city. One reason for this difficulty, that is often advanced, is that local decision makers often lack the information which would enable them to make sound decisions. This problem has sparked considerable interest in the development of computerized systems for the acquisition, analysis, and delivery of the information needed for local planning and management. Such urban information systems are currently under development in several cities.

Ann Arbor is one city that is currently developing an urban information system. One component of this system is designed to support the activities of a number of City Departments with the provision of housing, economic and social information. Development of this Environment Information System began in 1971 with the computerization of a land use survey and has progressed to a fully operational status. Parcel, establishment and rental buildings, data files and a full complement of data management and analysis software are currently being utilized by City Planning and several other departments. However, the system still needs further work if it is to be most useful. Future development will concentrate on several specific technical and organizational improvements which will increase the capabilities and utilization of the system.