Land planner

A Land Planner, also known as a Land Use Planner, is a professional who focuses on the strategic planning and management of land resources. They are responsible for developing plans and policies that dictate the use of land to achieve sustainable development, optimize land use, and balance the needs of the community, environment, and economy. Their work involves ensuring that land development and conservation are carried out in a manner that promotes orderly growth, environmental protection, and an enhanced quality of life for the community.

Land planners typically do the following:

• Analyze existing land use patterns, zoning laws, and environmental constraints to guide development decisions.
• Create comprehensive land use plans, including zoning maps, development regulations, and growth management strategies.
• Organize and conduct public meetings, workshops, and surveys to collect input from community members and stakeholders.
• Develop policies and guidelines to regulate land use, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
• Review and assess development proposals and land use applications to ensure they align with established plans and regulations.
• Evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed land use changes and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.
• Work with architects, engineers, developers, and government officials to ensure cohesive planning and implementation of land use projects.
• Prepare detailed reports, maps, and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Monitor land use activities to ensure adherence to approved plans and policies.
• Stay informed about trends, best practices, and innovations in land use planning to improve planning processes.

The following job titles also refer to land planner:

city planning engineer
civil engineer
land developer
urban land planner
land use planner
urban planner
land manager
planner
city planner
planning technician
town planner
planning engineer

Land Planners typically work in an office environment where they spend significant time analyzing data, preparing documents, and designing plans. Their work also involves field visits to inspect land use sites, assess environmental conditions, and gather firsthand information. Attending public meetings and engaging with community members is a crucial part of their role, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills. Standard working hours are common, but additional hours may be needed to meet project deadlines, attend evening meetings, or address urgent planning issues. The role requires attention to detail and adherence to safety and regulatory standards during site visits.

A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, geography, environmental science, or a related field is typically required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in land use planning, environmental planning, or geographic information systems (GIS) can be beneficial. Relevant coursework includes land use planning, environmental assessment, urban design, and GIS.

Practical experience through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions in land planning or related fields is highly valuable. Proficiency in using planning software, such as GIS, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), and other mapping tools, is essential. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for developing and presenting land use plans and policies. Continuous professional development and staying updated with advancements in land use planning technology and industry standards are important for career progression. Certifications or memberships in professional organizations, such as the American Planning Association (APA) or the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA), can enhance job prospects and credibility in the field.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Land planner is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to land planner.

land surveyor
cadastral technician
geographic information systems specialist
hydrographic surveyor
urban planner

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of land planner.

• Environmental policy: Local, national and international policies dealing with the promotion of environmental sustainability and the development of projects which reduce negative environmental impact and improve the state of the environment.
• Surveying: The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
• Urban planning law: Investments and urban development agreements. Legislative developments regarding construction in terms of environmental, sustainability, social and financial matters.
• Engineering principles: The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
• Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
• Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
• Surveying methods: Have an understanding of surveying methods, remote sensing methods and equipment.
• Zoning codes: The division of land into zones where various uses and activities are allowed, such as residential, agricultural, and industrial activities. These zones are regulated by legislative procedures and local authorities.
• Topography: Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
• Urban planning: Political and technical process that seeks to design the urban environment and optimize land use by considering various aspects such as infrastructure, water, and green and social spaces.
• Civil engineering: The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.
• Geography: The scientific discipline that studies the land, phenomena, characteristics and inhabitants of Earth. This field seeks to understand the natural and man-made complexities of Earth.

These skills are necessary for the role of land planner.

• Process collected survey data: Analyse and interpret survey data acquired from a wide variety of sources e.g. satellite surveys, aerial photography and laser measurement systems.
• Advise on use of land: Recommend the best ways to use land and resources. Advise on locations for roads, schools, parks, etc.
• Advise on architectural matters: Provide advice on architectural design, based on knowledge of matters such as spatial division, balance of construction elements, and aesthetics.
• Provide technical expertise: Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision-makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
• Execute feasibility study: Evaluate and assess the potential of a project, plan, proposition, or new idea. Realise a standardised study based on extensive investigation and research to support decision-making.
• Compare survey computations: Determine the accuracy of data by comparing computations with applicable standards.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of land planner. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Photogrammetry: The science of taking photographs from at least two different locations in order to measure land surfaces to be represented in a map, 3D model or physical model.
• Building codes: The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
• Geodesy: The scientific discipline that combines applied mathematics and earth sciences in order to measure and represent the Earth. It studies phenomena such as gravitational fields, polar motion, and tides.
• Architecture regulations: The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.
• Geology: Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of land planner. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Record survey measurements: Gather and process descriptive data by using documents such as sketches, drawings and notes.
• Liaise with local authorities: Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.
• Conduct land surveys: Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
• Advise on building matters: Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Inform them of important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
• Promote sustainability: Promote the concept of sustainability to the public, colleagues and fellow professionals through speeches, guided tours, displays and workshops.
• Compile GIS-data: Gather and organise GIS data from sources such as databases and maps.
• Document survey operations: Complete and file all required administrative, operational and technical documents related to a survey operation.
• Perform surveying calculations: Perform calculations and gather technical data in order to determine earth curvature corrections, traverse adjustments and closures, level runs, azimuths, marker placements, etc.
• Determine boundaries: Establish the boundaries of properties using surveying equipment.
• Operate surveying instruments: Operate and adjust measuring instruments such as theodolites and prisms, and other electronic distance-measuring tools.
• Advise architects: Give advice on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.
• Collect data using GPS: Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.

2164 – Town and traffic planners

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References

1. Land planner – ESCO
2. Career Guide: Land Planner – Role Catcher
3. Featured image: By Prefurbia – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0