Prof. Hans-Jorg Stark
University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Northwestern Switzerland

Biography
Hans-Jörg Stark is Professor for GIS and Geomatics at University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland since 2004. He holds an Engineer's Degree in Surveying, Master's Degree in GIS. He has worked for more than a decade in private industry both in Switzerland and abroad and has been in executive positions throughout his career

Abstract
Including a Social Perspective into Urban Planning Using Geographic Informational Survey Techniques

The process of urban planning in Switzerland is normally defined through a guiding framework of technical and financial parameters to ensure a controlled development of city districts. To create liveable and social sustainable environments it is imperative to ad-ditionally include a social perspective into this process. However, as relevant social infor-mation often consists of a myriad of factors, such multidimensional information is difficult to consider or to routinely integrate into the planning process. This is particularly true for subjective factors which demonstrably are essential for the quality of our living environ-ment. Consequently, this article presents a web-based survey instrument, which uses both geographic information and standard online survey techniques to investigate the subjec-tive perspective of local actors on a specific area. It also evaluates how the results support a more integrative planning process in applying local geographic lay knowledge. The survey instrument was tested in the Swiss city of Langenthal and was used to explore the resident's subjective perception and individual use of a centrally located development area. The results include information about mobility patterns, on-site activities and per-sonal assessment of the area's atmosphere. The results are visualised as thematic maps which serve as basis for planning decisions. The presented work is part of the 'modularCity' (www.modularcity.ch) research project which is run by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences as well as two partners from private industry (urbanis & tsquare). The project is funded by the Commission for Technology and Innovation Switzerland.