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A practical course on digital urban, regional, and infrastructure planning with ArcGIS Urban. Participants learn how to set up ArcGIS Urban models, develop spatial planning scenarios, and analyse and compare their effects using relevant indicators.
You will learn how ArcGIS Urban is structured, how its main functions work, and how it integrates with ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro. You will prepare suitable geospatial data, configure zones, planning regulations, and space-use types, and create digital plans and development projects.
You will also investigate the effects of different planning scenarios, use indicators to assess alternatives, and present planning options interactively on the web. The course introduces ways in which ArcGIS Urban can support collaboration, communication, and participation in planning processes.
By the end of the course, you will be able to build an ArcGIS Urban model, create and compare planning scenarios, and prepare the results clearly for internal and public decision-making processes.
• Understand the structure and functionality of ArcGIS Urban
• Set up and configure an ArcGIS Urban model
• Prepare geospatial data in ArcGIS Pro for use in ArcGIS Urban
• Manage zones, planning regulations, and space-use types
• Distinguish between projects and plans and use them appropriately
• Create development scenarios and planning alternatives
• Analyse the effects of proposed developments
• Use metrics and indicators to assess planning scenarios
• Visualise, publish, and share planning results on the web
• Support digital collaboration and public engagement processes
• Basic knowledge of GIS and spatial planning
• Practical experience with ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Pro is helpful
• A basic understanding of layers, attribute data, and spatial structures
• Knowledge of urban, regional, infrastructure, or land-use planning is beneficial
*We customize the course outline and content to your specific needs and relevant use cases.
Module 1: Introduction to ArcGIS Urban
• Purpose and applications of ArcGIS Urban
• Digital support for spatial planning processes
• Overview of the interface and essential functions
• How ArcGIS Urban, ArcGIS Online, and ArcGIS Pro work together
• Roles, content, and permissions within an ArcGIS organisation
• Typical applications in urban, regional, and infrastructure planning
• Capabilities and limitations of digital planning scenarios
Module 2: Fundamentals of 3D Urban and Planning Models
• Spatial foundations of an ArcGIS Urban model
• Existing buildings, parcels, zones, and planning areas
• Importance of elevation, building, and land-use information
• Representing existing conditions and proposed developments
• Spatial references and coordinate systems
• Requirements for data completeness, accuracy, and currency
Module 3: Preparing Data in ArcGIS Pro
• Required and optional datasets for ArcGIS Urban
• Preparing parcels, buildings, zones, and other planning data
• Checking geometries and attribute structures
• Cleaning, converting, and standardising data
• Reviewing coordinate systems and spatial alignment
• Preparing attribute values for later configuration
• Publishing and managing data in ArcGIS Online
• Checking data quality before import
Module 4: Setting Up an ArcGIS Urban Model
• Creating a new Urban model and defining basic settings
• Defining the study area and spatial context
• Assigning existing data sources
• Configuring map, scene, and display settings
• Organising and managing model content
• Considering access rights and sharing settings
• Preparing the model for further planning work
Module 5: Zones, Regulations, and Space-Use Types
• Representing zones and statutory planning areas
• Defining development regulations and limits
• Configuring building heights, floor areas, and other parameters
• Considering setbacks, buildable areas, and use restrictions
• Creating space-use types and mixed-use definitions
• Representing residential, commercial, mixed, and other uses
• Translating existing planning regulations into a digital structure
• Understanding the effects of changes to regulations
Module 6: Understanding Projects and Plans
• Understanding the different purposes of projects and plans
• Using development projects for specific construction proposals
• Using plans for larger areas and long-term development
• Organising existing, proposed, and implemented development over time
• Selecting suitable planning units for different questions
• Organising projects and plans within an Urban model
• Managing planning stages and alternatives transparently
Module 7: Creating Planning Scenarios
• Creating scenarios for development areas
• Developing building volumes and urban structures
• Applying space-use types to parcels and buildings
• Varying height, number of floors, and development density
• Considering open spaces, transport areas, and other structures
• Creating alternative planning options
• Documenting assumptions and conditions for each scenario
• Reviewing and refining scenarios visually
Module 8: Comparing Scenarios and Analysing Effects
• Comparing planning alternatives systematically
• Examining changes from existing conditions
• Assessing effects on buildings, uses, and spatial structure
• Comparing density, land consumption, and mixed use
• Identifying potential conflicts between planning objectives
• Preparing analytical results for professional consultation
• Considering the meaning and limitations of model calculations
Module 9: Metrics and Indicators
• Role of metrics in planning decisions
• Selecting suitable indicators for different planning questions
• Evaluating areas, floor space, and space-use units
• Examining residential, employment, and other capacities
• Comparing indicators for existing and proposed development
• Preparing custom indicators and assessment measures
• Interpreting and communicating results clearly
• Using indicators to support prioritisation and decision-making
Module 10: Visualisation and Web Presentation
• Presenting planning scenarios in an interactive 3D environment
• Visualising existing conditions and alternatives clearly
• Preparing views and perspectives for different audiences
• Publishing scenarios and making them available through the web
• Configuring access rights for internal and public content
• Presenting planning stages and alternatives transparently
• Using results in meetings and decision-making processes
Module 11: Collaboration and Public Engagement
• Supporting digital collaboration within planning teams
• Sharing content for internal consultation
• Organising comments, feedback, and professional contributions
• Preparing planning alternatives for engagement activities
• Providing clear information for non-technical audiences
• Integrating ArcGIS-based applications and communication channels
• Improving the transparency and traceability of planning decisions
• Considering data protection, permissions, and publication scope
Module 12: Practical Project – Developing an Urban Scenario
• Reviewing and preparing suitable source data
• Configuring an ArcGIS Urban model
• Setting up zones, regulations, and space-use types
• Creating a plan or development project
• Developing multiple planning scenarios
• Calculating metrics and comparing alternatives
• Assessing effects and potential planning conflicts
• Visualising, publishing, and presenting the results
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