NEARC 2001 

Lessons Learned from Growth Management Modeling of Land Use in the City of Cambridge

Presenters:

Clifford Cook, Planning Information Manager, Cambridge Community Development Dept., 617/349-4656, ccook@ci.cambridge.ma.us

Eric Josephson, GIS Analyst, Cambridge MIS Dept., 617/349-4239, ejosephson@ci.cambridge.ma.us

Abstract:
Cambridge has long enjoyed a reputation as a high technology incubator, with concomitant growth posing challenges for the community. In response to these pressures, the Community Development Department conducted a successful three year process to evaluate and rezone commercial and residential districts throughout the City. This effort was also the first instance in which the City's GIS played a significant role throughout a long term community development initiative. The presentation will evaluate the role of GIS in the rezoning effort by asking the following questions:

What issues were encountered while collecting and analyzing data?

What types of data and analysis proved useful? What types did not?

What assumptions and limitations were placed on interpretation of land use through maps?

How did the various actors use the many maps generated through GIS?

What role did GIS serve - how did it help or hinder the public discussion?

The presentation will review examples of the many types of analysis conducted through mapping for the rezoning effort