Artificial Intelligence for Urban Planning

by Thomas W. Sanchez

Overview

This book aims to introduce planners to AI, outlining essential concepts, terminologies, and methodologies. AI now promises to reshape urban planning, but as with many technological innovations, AI also introduces ethical, practical, and organizational challenges. Understanding both AI’s current capabilities and its limitations is essential for planners, even as we acknowledge the rapid and unpredictable nature of its evolution. Chapters address some of these complexities, not by providing definitive answers, but by introducing urban planners to core AI topics. The book shows how planners can effectively use AI in their daily practices, engage constructively with technical specialists, and critically assess the appropriateness of these technologies in different planning contexts. This book will be of interest to both urban planning professionals and researchers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032760476
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/22/2025
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Thomas W. Sanchez, PhD, AICP, is a Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University. He earned his PhD in City Planning from Georgia Tech and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His research and teaching focus on cities, planning methods, transportation, and technology. His most recent books include Networks in the Knowledge Economy (with Denise Bedford) and Planning Knowledge and Research. Sanchez serves as the American Planning Association (APA) Education Committee Chair and as a member of APA’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Foresight Community.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction

2. Machine Learning for Urban Planners

3. Neural Networks for Urban Planners

4. Natural Language Processing for Urban Planners

5. Computer Vision for Urban Planners

6. Generative AI for Urban Planners

7. Challenges to Adopting AI in Urban Planning

8. Moving towards the integration of AI in Urban Planning

Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"Digital Participatory Planning is an excellent summary of where we are today and how participation in planning has developed, especially the use of digital technologies both formal and informal. This book stands out as a reference book accessible to practitioners as well as students. Given the growing interest in consultation and participation through digital and social technologies, it will be of interest to architects, developers, and policy makers alike." Rachel Cooper OBE, Distinguished Professor of Design Management and Policy, Lancaster University, UK

"Digital Participatory Planning focuses on the role technology can play in supporting effective planning. While the actual technologies, platforms and systems discussed will evolve and new technologies will come into play, the important contribution this book makes is to shine a light on to these emerging methods and processes. The book will be an important resource for those who practice urban, regional, and spatial planning, but also those involved in any forms of ‘planning’ that require public engagement, including large scale infrastructure projects." Richard Kingston, University of Manchester, UK

"Digital Participatory Planning is at the forefront of debate in the discipline. This is particularly so in the UK where current proposals could see the entire English planning system move consultation online. Yet, the authors are correct that this is a little understood debate, and much literature on this subject currently focuses on ‘efficiencies’ in a rather clinical way, rather than the spaces and places in which normal people live. This book addresses the gap in this thinking, and it is much needed." Alexander Nurse, University of Liverpool, UK

From the Publisher