EDITOR ' S QUESTION
JOHN DAVIS
OWNER AND OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR , SPRINGFIELD STEEL BUILDINGS
There are a wide range of digital tools currently pushing construction development forward . Geospatial mapping and visualisation enables urban planners to visualise the space around them before moving ahead with construction . This enables them to notice potential blindspots early in the process and adjust their plans accordingly . By keeping the needs of the disabled in mind , planners can tweak and refine their projections so that wheelchair users have easy access via ramps and lifts . The detailed information provided by these technological schematics allows them to implement these features in a safe and structurally sound manner , taking into account the layout and infrastructure of the environment .
Somewhat tied into this idea are the concepts of data collection and predictive analysis . By gathering data on population densities and community deficits , urban planners can plan for the future , resulting in long-term stability . Trends can be pre-empted , giving planners a head start on beginning work .
Furthermore , online platforms and virtual town hall meetings allow for direct input from people with disabilities . Their thoughts and advice can prove invaluable to the development process , giving planners a new angle or perspective on their duties .
Additionally , using modern technology for urban planning allows greater collaboration between designers with no limit on geography . Organisations can hire people from around the globe with a more specialised focus on particular aspects of design , including those that accommodate different disabilities . The Internet of Things ( IoT ) allows for more compatibility and communication between professionals and companies , stimulating inspiration for efficient design . In a more specific sense , including technology in the urban design itself could provide various helpful tools for those who suffer from different ailments . This could include voiceactivated lights , motion sensors , smart doorbells , and more .
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