Source: www.apple.com/ipad/
As a member of Generation-Y, I can’t help to get excited about the release of Apple’s iPad. Following the release it caused me to start thinking about how the industry could utilise this fancy new piece of technology. It is essentially a larger version of the popular iPhone but has a wide range of features including a larger touch screen, the ability to read electronic books, word processing and presentation software and over 150,000 downloadable applications.
No doubt my fellow young planners and developers will also been keen to take advantage of how the iPad can assist our work now and in the future. I haven’t had the privilege to use one yet as it has not been formally launched in Australia, which is due to happen in the end of May.
Around two weeks ago I attended an event where the editor of a local newspaper discussed how the iPad is going to revolutionise the way we read newspapers. He said the days of reading physical newspapers could be a thing of the past, as video and audio could be used to communicate news.
Considering I have only recently entered the blogging world, I have been following a number of popular blogs on planning-related topics. A post titled “iPads for Planning” was written by Robert Goodspeed on a very successful website called Planetizen. Reading Robert’s post also triggered my desire to do some brainstorming.
Some Ideas
The following are some ways in which planners, architects and perhaps other professionals can tap in to the powerful capabilities of the iPad. If you have any other please add to this list!
CAD and advanced GIS software
Lodge planning applications to Councils via the iPad
Plan viewing software which allows you to edit, measure distances, areas and Floor Space Ratio (FSR)
Allow neighbours to view plans and reports relating to planning applications on public exhibition
View properties for sale, view the plans, make comments on the property, virtual tours, view the contract of sale. Even more advanced features than what the current real estate websites offer.
Governments should be focusing on taking advantage of the iPad instead of only focusing on rolling out the E-Planning initiative. E-Planning has not been properly implemented in NSW and in the next few weeks I hope to post something on E-Planning.
Encourage iPad application developers to create software for the industry
You can take the iPad on a site visit and write notes while on site. I recently provided planning advice for an organisation on a property they were considering to purchase. I found that it was very useful to write notes on my iPhone to assist in preparing my advice. By doing this, there is little chance you will forget aspects, compared to starting to write the report at the office. You would also avoid the need to undertake another site visit, in case you missed important features of the site.
Council’s assessment planners could take the iPad with them on site inspections instead of lugging around a physical file containing reports and plans.
I’m sure there are unlimited possibilities for which the iPad could be used for.
Any suggestions?
Relevant links
NSW Department of Planning: E-Planning
great post as usual!