This is an interesting tool to create quick timelines. Best for timelines spanning abroad range of time rather than a decade or two.
Timetoast Timelines | Create timelines, share them on the web..
This is an interesting tool to create quick timelines. Best for timelines spanning abroad range of time rather than a decade or two.
Timetoast Timelines | Create timelines, share them on the web..
Want to find out what’s happening in your neighborhood? Adrian Holovaty knows. He’s the creator of Everyblock.com, a website that provides hyper-local news tailored to your street address. We’ll give the site a test run and see what’s happening on our block. Smart City Radio :: Episode :: Using the Internet to Explore Your City.
Summary: Although the gains don’t fall into traditional profit columns, there are clear arguments for improving usability of non-commercial websites and intranets. In one example, a state agency could get an ROI of 22,000% by fixing a basic usability problem.
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LOS ANGELES — Scores of U.S. newspaper Web sites will become gateways for visitors to find homes for sale through Zillow.com as part of a new initiative between the real estate Web site and a group of 11 major newspaper publishers
One of the key differences between architecture and planning is that architects have a greater chance of seeing their project come to fruition. How many stories can you recall from planners who had really great ideas but the plan got shelved?
An architect produces a tangible blueprint that usually turns into a building within several years while a planner produces an extensive document that might or might not guide the development of a community. Zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans take much longer to be adopted in order to “show up” in the community. Often a plan consists of long range recommendations that are too generalized, quite the opposite of a building blueprint. Sometimes plans get abandoned in favor of multiple planned unit developments. The original vision of the plan gets lost over time as people come and go.
The key to getting the city to follow the plan and stick with it might have something to do with the delivery method. When solid recommendations are ignored, it is usually because the real impact isn’t understood. Working within the constraints of politics makes planning a messy businesses no matter how beautiful the graphics.
Marketing planning can be two fold. Firms can help municipal planners gain public support for the plan while differentiating themselves in the marketplace. This can be accomplished through traditional techniques of marketing services. Packaging services to deliver plans in the most user-friendly manner possible reinforces the brand and retains the plan’s vision to be implemented and tracked.
It is amazing how many architecture and planning firms have terribly designed web sites and marketing materials. Architects might not realize the stakes are really high since they are selling design! You might not realize how important image really is. For example, poor quality graphics on a web site unconsciously reinforce the quality of the service offered.
Geographic information systems are essential and very useful but cumbersome to learn. It is a marvelous tool to execute a query for analysis but for many planners it is too bulky for daily application. Specialists are required to perform in-depth tasks. Sometimes it is overkill. I have heard the wave of exasperation from non-techies who were forced to use online GIS to perform simple zip code queries. The non-intuitive user-interface coupled with slow download rates have driven some people almost mad. Why wasn’t a better solution demanded from geographic vendors years ago? Have planners been making pleas to deaf ears?
Now is the time to learn the skills you need to expand your toolbox and increase your effectiveness. You don’t need to know Adobe Illustrator backwards and forwards to make an attractive map. You don’t need to learn HTML to create a plan web site. You don’t need to be a GIS expert to make maps online. You are a planner with a deep desire to make more livable communities. You are valuable to our profession. Technology is a platform for your mission to make a real difference. It can no longer be an obstacle or a separate skill set required to do your life’s work.
What do you do?
I help urban planners communicate more effectively online.
I show them how to do it and when to do it.
I put the tools they need into their hands so they can do more in less time.
I help planners utilize what is available today at varying price points.
I help them raise the awareness of planning through interactive communication and collaboration to engage stakeholders and exceed the expectations of their clients.
And, oh did I mention I help them do all of this without technical skill?
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