From Bricks and Mortar to Mega-Bytes and Mega-Pixels: The Changing Landscape of the Impact of Technology and Innovation on Urban Development

Abstract:     
This article reflects upon the impact that technology and innovation has had on urban development. From NASA's Landstat program, to Google maps and GPS, technlogy has had a significant impact on urban planning and land use law. The article begins with a discussion of the impact of the elevator and steel technologies on urban architecture and density, and then moves to changes in transportation such as the automobile and the development of public transportation systems. Green buildings, GIS, satellite data, online mapping, personal computers, the Internet and cell phones are all examined.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 19

Keywords: urban planning, technology, GIS, GPS, green buildings, cell phones, transportation, urban architecture, Landstat, land use law, zoning

JEL Classification: K11, K32

Accepted Paper Series