The planning enquiry portal provides citizens with an interactive map and search resource to view planning-related information. The launch of the interactive planning mapping interface marks the GIS department's first step in improving communication with its citizens, while taking the necessary measures to fulfil the council's vision outlined in its 2017-2023 strategic development plan.
Working in partnership with Azimap's software development team, the GIS department within Kildare County Council has successfully launched the planning portal, which includes the following high-level features:
1. Intuitive User Interface Design
A fundamental requirement for the planning portal was to ensure that visitors were offered an intuitive interface that could be easily navigated. To achieve this, we developed numerous user-based scenarios to streamline the workflow and the process associated with identifying the desired information. By completing this process, we quickly established the optimal feature location for the map, as well as basic and advanced search controls and search results.
2. Base Search
Critical to the success of the planning portal are the basic search capabilities, which provide visitors with the opportunity to quickly search by Planning ID. Upon searching by planning ID, the map automatically zooms to the planning application, where the details associated with the application are clearly presented on the map.
3. Advanced Search
To complement the base search, advanced search capabilities have been implemented. This provides the user with the opportunity to search all planning applications associated with a layer or search by field to quickly identify and zoom to the planning application of interest.
4. Printing
Having the opportunity to print to a PDF provides users with the flexibility to print and store a hard copy of their planning applications. The print information includes planning ID, status, description, applicant details and map image.
The launch of the planning portal marks the first phase of Kildare County Council's development plan to enhance planning and digitise workflows associated with managing spatial data, promoting cross-functional collaboration throughout the council.
Martin Donnelly, GIS Manager, explains:
"The launch of the planning portal marks a significant achievement for the council, enhancing transparency and accountability with its citizens. The portal offers citizens the tools to quickly search, zoom, view application information on an interactive map, and print planning applications at their convenience, without requiring support from council officials, which is a fundamental requirement of the county's 2017-2023 strategic development plan.
The GIS department has collaborated with the Azimap project development team and wider GIS consultancy teams to create an efficient workflow, ensuring the planning portal's success."
The Kildare planning portal is an excellent example of the GIS consultancy and development services available within the Azimap team. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Martin and his team to achieve the council's vision.
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