This course focuses on the practical use of GIS to support planning decisions in environmentally constrained contexts. It is designed for planners who work with natural systems and environmental risk and need to interpret and apply spatial evidence related to water flows, climate change, vegetation, bushfire, and landscape constraints.
The course places a strong emphasis on raster datasets commonly used in planning practice, including elevation models, multi-spectral satellite imagery, vegetation and land-cover data, and climate- and hazard-related spatial datasets. Participants will learn how these datasets can be used to understand environmental processes and constraints that influence development feasibility and planning outcomes.
Through applied examples and hands-on exercises, participants will explore how environmental GIS data can be integrated with planning layers and CAD-based design information to assess impacts, inform policy responses, and support planning conditions. The focus is on producing clear and defensible spatial evidence that can be used in reports, referrals, and decision-making processes, while understanding the limits of environmental GIS data and the role of professional judgement.
Designed For
This course is designed for strategic, environmental, statutory, and transport planners working in areas affected by environmental constraints. It is suitable for planners involved in flood-affected areas, climate adaptation planning, vegetation and habitat assessment, bushfire-prone landscapes, and other environmentally sensitive planning contexts. The course is also relevant for planners who work closely with designers, engineers, and environmental specialists and need to interpret GIS-based environmental evidence.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this course, participants will:
• Interpret key environmental raster datasets relevant to planning decisions
• Use GIS to assess environmental constraints and opportunities affecting development
• Integrate environmental data with planning layers and CAD design information
• Produce spatial evidence suitable for planning reports, referrals, and approvals
• Understand the limitations of environmental GIS data and apply professional judgement appropriately
Presenter
Dr. Daniel Paez is a transport planner and policy specialist with over 15 years of experience in transport, land use, and strategic planning. He holds a PhD in Geomatics from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, and is currently studying a Juris Doctor. Daniel has advised on complex policy reforms for Australian state and federal governments, as well as international organisations, including the World Bank and the United Nations. His work bridges technical spatial analysis and practical planning applications, supporting planners to produce clear, defensible, and decision-ready outputs.
Terms & Conditions
Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.
If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.
In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.
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