Knowledgebase Collection
Artificial Intelligence and Planning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study and application of computer algorithms (i.e., decision-making procedures) that mimic human decision-making. In recent decades, advances in hardware and the proliferation of large data sets have led to major advances in AI technology and the widespread use of AI-enabled devices.
So far, relatively few planners routinely apply AI to their work. However, AI has tremendous potential to shape the communities planners serve. Beyond this, AI may transform the planning profession by automating some tasks traditionally performed by planners and creating new areas of planning practice.
From this page, you can search for resources that provide background or policy guidance on the effects of artificial intelligence on communities and the practice of planning. And you can filter these search results by various geographic and demographic characteristics.
APA Resources
Artificial Intelligence
This edition of PAS QuickNotes examines the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence on the planning field.
Applying Algorithms to Land-Use Decision Making
This edition of Zoning Practice considers how algorithms can improve development review.
The Art of Learning by Example
This Planning article explains how artificial intelligence can improve the practice of planning.
Keeping Current in a Technology-Driven Future
This APA Learn course explores the latest tools and technologies that are shaping modern planning practice.
Computer Vision and Community Vision
This APA Learn course instructs how computer vision can be applied to planning practice.
Technology’s Impact on the Planning Practice
This APA Learn course provides perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, on planning.
Reports
Artificial Intelligence and Life in 2030
This report describes how artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to influence the average North American city by 2030.
Artificial Intelligence for Social Good
This report explains how artificial intelligence (AI) and urban computing are being used to improve public welfare, sustainability efforts, health, and city management.
Artificial Intelligence in America’s Digital City
This report details how artificial intelligence (AI) may impact the development of “smart cities” of the future and, consequently, the field of planning.
Artificial Intelligence in Cities of the Future
This report chronicles Sweden’s efforts to adapt artificial intelligence (AI) to government services, planning, and policy.
Confronting Black Boxes: A Shadow Report of the New York City Automated Decision System Task Force
This report reviews the process New York City used to develop recommendations for the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Delivering Artificial Intelligence in Government: Challenges and Opportunities
This report asks how innovations in artificial intelligence pioneered in the private sector can be applied to public sector activity.
Articles
A Review Study on Urban Planning & Artificial Intelligence
This article examines how artificial intelligence may induce changes in the process of urban planning.
Artificial Intelligence & Urban Planning Good, Bad, or Terrifying?
This article assesses the pros, cons, and unknowns of utilizing AI in the practice of urban planning.
Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Urban Land Dynamics: A Review
This article reviews the existing literature (as of 2010) on the use of planning in AI.
Artificial Intelligence and Smart Cities
This article reviews the possibility of disruptions caused by artificial intelligence in the “smart city” of the future.
Can Building “Artificially Intelligent Cities” Safeguard Humanity from Natural Disasters, Pandemics, and Other Catastrophes? An Urban Scholar’s Perspective
This article explores whether artificial intelligence can help improve cities’ resiliency against catastrophes.
Contributions and Risks of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Building Smarter Cities: Insights from a Systematic Review of the Literature
This article analyzes the existing literature (as of 2020) on the use of artificial intelligence in the planning, development, and management of smart cities.
Blog Posts
6 Ways Robots Are Changing City Planning and Development
This blog post lists six key ways in which artificial intelligence and robotics are beginning to change urban areas and the implications that evolution will have on future development.
7 Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Urban Management
This blog post details how artificial intelligence can aid in essential data collection and processing in cities.
Are Urban Planning Jobs Safe From Automation
This blog post focuses specifically on how artificial intelligence will impact the practice of planning and the landscape of employment in urban planning.
Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities
This blog post reviews the applications of artificial intelligence in Smart Cities.
How AI Can be Used in Smart Cities: Applications Role & Challenge
This blog post reviews the challenges, applications, and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in developing "smart cities."
What We Can Learn From AI When Planning Urban Spaces
This blog post looks at what planners and local government officials can learn from artificial intelligence.
Guides
AI Procurement in a Box
This guide is designed to help public-sector agencies acquire and responsibly use artificial intelligence systems in their work.
OECD Recommendation of the Council on Artificial Intelligence
This guide provides a set of international principles and recommendations for the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Related Collections
Autonomous Vehicles
This collection catalogs resources that provide background, policy guidance, or examples of plans that address autonomous vehicles.
Online Public Engagement
Online public engagement is an umbrella term for public-sector efforts to notify, inform, consult, or collaborate with community members through websites and web applications. This collection catalogs resources that provide background and policy guidance as well as resources that explain or illustrate how local and regional agencies are using online public engagement tools and techniques.
Smart Cities
This collection catalogs resources that provide background and policy guidance, as well as examples of local uses of information and communications technology to engage citizens, deliver services, and enhance urban systems.