Pre Planning WebGIS - Self Service PrePlanning System
The Web-based Self Service Planning System used by local authorities in Ireland supports the pre-planning process by allowing planning agents and individual members of the public to assess the constraints they might face in receiving planning permission for developments. It allows users to create their own planning polygons representing the proposed development site, and run a spatial analysis to see what planning issues they may face.
Key benefits of the SSPS Extension include:
- more productive pre-planning consultations, as users of the system are better prepared for the planning issues they face
- helping a Council meet pre-planning legal requirements outlined in the legislation, including in Ireland the Planning and Development Act, 2000
- giving an indication of planning pressures by mapping user created features
- saving the public money as they can check for major planning issues before hiring a planning agent
- a reduction in phone calls to planners.
A version of the system is MapT - a capital projects mapping and reporting system for use by management in local authorities but also by the public It allows users to digitise/record and view public works data (roads, housing, sewerage etc.) via a map interface.
Compass also provide full support and development services for the Local Government gPlan system.
Reviews and Press
County Mayo has nearly 4,000 Planning applications each year (from both individuals and businesses of all sizes). Thousands more consider applying for Planning permission. This system allows them to be better informed and can save them money by highlighting development issues.
Mayo's Self-Service Planning System has been featured in a number of online articles - ePractice.eu, and Silicon Republic.
GIS & Mapping Functionality
Panning
Eight directional pan buttons are provided around the edge of the map.
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Toggle Layers
Layers can instantly be turned on or off without having to refresh the web page.
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Zooming
A zoom control panel allows a user to switch between different map scales. Alternatively clicking on the map zooms in to the next map scale.
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Feature Tooltips
Hovering over a map feature displays the relevant feature name.
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Creating Features
Users can easily create new features online through a series of clicks on the map image.
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Spatial Analysis
When a user creates a feature an automated spatial analysis can be run to find related features such as adjacent planning applications, conservation areas, and administrative districts.
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Reporting and Search Functions
SSPS contains several report features. These can be configured by the administrator and can link to related online planning systems and documentation.
Feature Reports
When features are clicked their details are displayed at the bottom of the screen. These details can include links to other online systems. An example is the linking between Cavan's gPlan system and ePlan.The system administrator can choose which layers are "clickable" and what data is returned.
Custom Searches
A configurable search box allows a user to search for features by name. Search results include partial matches. Clicking on the "GO" icon centres the map on the relevant feature and zooms to the best viewing scale.
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Spatial Analysis Reports
A spatial analysis can be run on a user created feature to produce a custom report listing all features within certain buffer distances. .
Project Filtering (MapT Extension)
The MapT Extension filters which public works are shown on the map. These can be filtered by "Year" or by "Project Status." There is also an option to generate a report on all projects currently visible in the map view.