AbstractsComputer Science

This research explores the potential added values of Planning Support Systems (PSSs) for the spatial planning process and more specifically for the strategizing, exploration and negotiation phases of this process by interviewing uses of a map based touch table. Planning support systems can be described as systems (which can be hardware, software or a mix of both) as being a subset of geoinformation-based instruments that incorporate a suite of components that collectively support all or some part of, a unique planning task (Vonk et al., 2005, p. 910). The support aspect of planning systems is crucial in the sense that PSSs comprise a whole suite of related information technologies that have different applications in different stages of planning. However, despite the extended research on PSSs, the use of these systems in practice is dragging behind. These bottlenecks preventing the widespread use of PSSs include the unawareness about this systems by potential users, subsequently a lack of experience with these systems, a low intention to start using these systems by potential users and technical incongruence of PSSs (Geertman, 2013, p. 50). Next to this, most research done in the PSSs field is done with a focus on the instrumental characteristics of PSSs. Technical possibilities have increased in terms of hardware and software (Klosterman, 2001, p. 1), which result for example in lower calculation times (Dies et al., 2013) and the development of different categorization of PSSs (Klosterman & Petit, 2005, pp. 477 – 478). Still, potential users need clear arguments convincing them of the potential added value of PSSs in general. This research tries to answer this question by using an emerging new paradigm in the research field of PSSs, which Pelzer et al. (2015) call the ‘task-technology fit’. This states that research on PSSs should focus on the potential added values of PSS for different planning tasks within the planning process. Besides the fact that this fit is a new phenomenon within PSSs field, the research on added values is something that is also relatively new and just been endorsed by scholars (Vonk et al., 2005; Te Brömmelstroet, 2013, Pelzer et al., 2014). Therefore, the goal of this research is twofold; first of all to explore the potential added values of PSSs by actual users and secondly trying to connect these perceived added values to the planning process. To analyse the potential added values of PSSs, the framework of Pelzer et al. (2014) is used. This divides these values into three categories, with subsequent levels. The categories consist of individual (divided into learning of the object and learning of other stakeholders), group (divided in communication, collaboration, consensus and efficiency) and outcome level (better informed plans/decisions). By comparing the analysis of contemporary literature on these added values with the perceived added values on the planning process by interviewees, a first exploration has been made in understanding how PSSs can contribute to the planning process. …