APA Reviews PC Software and Technology Personal computers (PCs) are rapidly transforming planning practice. No longer an esoteric curiosity, PCs are found in nearly every planning office and have become an accepted part of planning practice and education. The PC revolution has created a need for reliable and current information on software and technology relevant to planning. To fill this gap, the American Planning Association has published A Planners Review of PC Software and Technology. The 102-page document contains nine reviews of microcomputer software and technology, addressing the products' relevance for planning. The reviews, all of which have appeared previously, have been thoroughly revised and updated. The first review examines 22 books and reports dealing with microcomputer applications in planning. Chapter two looks at six books with electronic spreadsheets, while the third chapter evaluates a range of demographic data for microcomputers. Lowcost, commercial thematic mapping packages are reviewed next. Chapter five analyzes computer-aided design and drafting packages suitable for planning. Geographic information systems (GISs) are reviewed in part six, while chapter seven examines 17 statistical analysis, forecasting, causal modeling, and data transformation packages. The final two chapters analyze more sophisticated packages and systems. In part eight, three regional economic analysis packages are summarized. The review in chapter nine intro-
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duces expert systems and discusses their potential application to planning practice. Expert systems are computer programs that apply artificial intelligence to narrow and clearly define problems. Although few expert systems to aid planners are now operational, research is under way into applications such as site analysis and zoning ordinance implementation. A Planners Review of PC Software and Technology, Planning Advi-
sory Service Report number 414/415, was edited by Richard E. Klosterman. Klosterman is an associate professor in the Department of Urban Studies at the University of Akron. He also is editor of InfoTEXT, the newsletter of APA's Information Technology Division. Copies of the report may be obtained from Planners Press, 1313 E. 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, at a cost of $39.50. The price includes shipping and handling. For additional information on A Planners Review of PC Software and Technology, contact Jim Hecimovich at (312)955-9100. APA's Planning Advisory Service provides subscribers with eight research reports a year, monthly newsletters containing information on hot topics, and the answer service, which offers ordinance searches, advice, and research publications for review. For subscription information, contact Barbara Baldwin at (312)955-9100. To find out more about AP A services, contact Karen Finucan or Cynthia Clark at (202)872-0611.
Former Illinoisian Heads Baltimore Planning Department Partially reprinted from The Sun, Aug. 31,1989Brian Sullam Ernest Freeman, a former Illinoisian, has been named as BalLimore' s new planning director. "Mr. Freeman has been described by his colleagues in the planning profession as a rising star. We look forward to his being with us for many years and continuing the great tradition that has been developed in our planning department," said Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke. More than 100 people applied for the job, which was advertised nationwide. Freeman began his job in October.
"We sought the best qualified person to lead us into the future of planning and we are very enthusiastic and happy to report that we have the best candidate who applied," said Kenneth J. Strong, chairman of the Planning Commission. Mr. Freeman worked most recently as the director of planning for the city of Cincinnati. Prior to that, Freeman worked as the planning director of Portsmouth, VA, for three years. He also served as senior planner in Norfolk, VA, and as a community planner in Columbus, OH. He is a 1971 graduate of the University of Southern Illinois and has a master's degree in city and regional planning from the University of Illinois.