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Some roles for expert systems in planning

University of British Columbia

This thesis explores whether computer-based expert systems can be used in planning and, if so, under what circumstances. Expert systems are computer-based programs that solve problems in a way that mimics the human reasoning process. Expert system reasoning relies upon logic and rules-of-thumb rather than the numerical and mathematical algorithms of most other computer programs. Planning has been interpreted in the professional context of urban and regional planning, rather than the cross-disciplinary fiscal or project management planning often implied in computer literature. To determine expert systems could be useful to planners, the reasons for incompatibility between the nature of planning and conventional computers models of the past are explored. Advantages and disadvantages of expert systems are considered. Expert systems represent substantial improvement in areas where conventional programs are inadequate. Chapters 2 to 5 form the theoretical base of the thesis. Chapter 2 explains the fundamentals of expert system reasoning and how it differs from other computer software. Chapter 3 outlines reasons why this technology might appeal to planners. Chapter 4 introduces some of the disadvantages of expert systems, including technical limitations, ethical and legal issues. Chapter 5 introduces general guidelines to help the reader understand what type of planning tasks might benefit from the use of this new tool. Chapters 6 to 8 consider issues raised in the preceding chapters. Three Canadian systems now at the forefront of expert systems applications to planning are reviewed in chapters 6, 7 and 8 Respectively. The first application, HERMES, is an emergency planning application. It advises emergency response personnel during crises involving hazardous materials. SCREENER is an environmental planning application. It assists environmental officers at Transport Canada to assess simple capital projects for environmental impact statements and screen out more complicated ones for further review. The third application used for illustrative purposes, PLANCHECKER, is a municipal planning example. The system assists plan checkers at City Hall in assessing building plans. The three case-studies satisfy the task suitability guidelines quite well and appear to be successful applications of expert systems to planning. It is still too early to draw definite conclusions, but it is likely the technology will prove useful to planners. Planners should be prepared understand both the potential and limitations of expert systems so they can use the technology wisely.

Text

2010-11-10

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/29925

Planning

University of British Columbia

Graduate