The creation and utilization of a land use map is critical in the comprehensive planning process. By creating a land use map, a land use analysis can be performed. Land use analyses helps identify incompatible uses or problems areas that require policy actions to correct them. These incompatible land uses can be based on environmental concerns (i.e. development in the flood plain) or human use concerns (i.e. industrial uses near residential areas). Land use analyses also provide information to planners on land supply and land that is developable. A land use analysis provides an evaluation of the spatial distribution of land uses which is useful in the creation of land use policy intended to shape the growth of the city. A land use map was developed for the City of Galveston in order to provide the data needed to conduct land use analyses. This map will serve as an important aspect of the comprehensive plan and provide necessary baseline data for future planning.
