We work with agencies to assemble data that support planning analyses on issues such as demographic trends within towns, activity and mobility patterns in communities, accessibility and utilisation of amenities, as well as access to employment opportunities.
To support a more data-informed work process, we have developed in-house digital planning tools. These include:
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning technologies advance, we will continue to harness them to further strengthen our planning processes. To assist our planners in making more informed assessments, we are progressively researching, prototyping, test-bedding and piloting AI solutions to come up with a suite of sensemaking and recommendation engines. Read about our Plan.AI speaker series with SG Innovate here to learn how we envision planning for cities in the age of AI.
Planning often extends beyond a two-dimensional space as our planners and architects leverage on 3D digital models and systems for Urban Design simulation. 3D Urban Planner is a 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) platform that integrates diverse types of data – ranging from planning parameters for unique sites to detailed 3D building information models in Singapore. By using this platform, we can quickly visualise important information to facilitate holistic and well-rounded design. This includes developing sensitive response strategies to the environment by safeguarding important view corridors and analysing the impact of sun-shading in public spaces.
Visualising different qualities of 3D digital models on 3D Urban Planner
URA’s repository of 3D models is a useful medium for public engagement as plans are conveyed to stakeholders more efficiently when translated into 3D models. For example, at the Draft Master Plan 2019 Exhibition, we used digital animation and virtual reality experience to produce artist’s impressions of future planning areas to garner feedback from the public. It was also used to produce 3D-printed island-wide models for Singapore City Gallery at The URA Centre.
URA SPACE, a one-stop geospatial platform, is designed so that professionals, businesses and the public can efficiently obtain a comprehensive array of up-to-date planning and real estate information on a digital map. The ‘Popular map services’ list can be used to quickly access information related to current and past Master Plans and check on site-specific planning information, such as development charge rates, past development approvals, urban design guidelines, use of property, and private residential property transactions. Aside from helping to streamline application processes, URA SPACE also allows the public to purchase season parking at carparks managed by URA.
Businesses are evolving alongside technological advancements. This has resulted in new challenges and complexities that can impact planning requirements.
However, there are also new opportunities arising from such changes – engaging partners with data-rich operations enables the sharing of observations and data to better inform URA’s planning decisions. Through collaboration between the public and private sector, we can develop joint analytical capabilities for meaningful outcomes, gain better insights on the consumption of services, and become more responsive to people’s needs.
We have partnered with Grab to jointly study the travel patterns of local commuters on ride-hailing services. This helps urban planners to observe and understand variations in daily commute patterns throughout the day as well as preferences for different modes of transport. These findings allow us to not only make more robust decisions when assessing land use and infrastructure requirements for new developments, but also improve travel time and convenience for commuters.
People are at the core of our capabilities. We have made efforts to build a growing community of planners and architects who are trained in data analytics, user experience design and geospatial technologies.
Having trained close to 200 planners and architects who are now proficient in using spatial data and analytics for planning work, we have extended our training to URA staff and management, as well as other government agencies. We have also progressively incorporated more AI content into the curriculum to keep abreast with developments in technologies.
In an interview organised by Connected Places Catapult, URA’s Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Planner, Ms Hwang Yu-Ning, highlighted that the fundamental role of a planner is to understand new trends, engage stakeholders, and constantly adopt the use of technological tools to improve the lives of citizens.
Space Out, an interactive map-based website, is an example of how planners partnered various stakeholders and tapped on data and technology, to promote safe distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Space Out provided Singaporeans with real-time information on crowd levels at places such as malls, supermarkets, markets and sports stadiums, to help them make more informed decisions before heading out. More information about Space Out’s implementation can be found here.
As safe distancing and capacity limits are no longer required, Space Out was discontinued on 25 May 2022.
Space Out assists the public in ascertaining which facilities are less crowded during different times of the day before they head out.