The Modern Planner: How GIS Connects Data, Decisions, and Communities

Learn to do more with your planning work. 

 
Communities thrive when planners understand local needs, engage stakeholders, and make informed decisions. Geographic information system (GIS) technology is at the center of this work, helping planning professionals connect data, people, and place to create more resilient communities. As planning challenges become increasingly complex, GIS provides the tools to analyze trends, model future scenarios, evaluate impacts, engage the public, and support transparent decision-making.

Designed for planners, directors, and professionals who may not have a technical GIS background, The Modern Planner: How GIS Connects Data, Decisions, and Communities explains why GIS has become a mission-critical component of modern urban and community planning and how leaders can confidently guide its implementation within their organizations. Through practical examples, proven strategies, and real-world case studies, readers will gain a clear understanding of how GIS supports both day-to-day operations and long-term community goals. 

Topics include:

• GIS as a comprehensive planning system 
  
• Planning and development review workflows 
  
• Future-proofing communities through data-driven land-use decisions
  
• Stakeholder engagement and public participation strategies
• Economic mobility and equitable access to opportunity
• Environmental review, compliance, and transparency
• Digital twins and emerging planning technologies
• Best practices and real-world examples from cities and counties 
  

Written by planning experts at Esri®, the world leader in GIS mapping software, and with an introduction by Esri President and Cofounder Jack Dangermond, The Modern Planner bridges the gap between planning expertise and GIS knowledge, empowering professionals to build informed and thriving communities through better data and better decisions.