The Relevance Of Research In Planning Support Systems: A Response To Janssen Et Al

摘要

Writing in volume 35 of this journal, Janssen et al (2008) presented a paper which explores the usability of a specifically developed spatial decision support system (SDSS) for the support of land-use planning problems. In their words, the paper is a planning-oriented follow-up to a more technical one that deals with the heuristic algorithm and numerical experiences, and it "aims at issues linked to implementation and application" (Janssen et al, 2008, page 741). I will use this paper as an illustration to argue that, although it has legitimate claims and interesting outcomes, the currently dominant type of research which is employed in the fields of SDSS and other planning supporting instruments is not helping to bridge the wide gap between developed instruments and daily planning practice.