URP 317: CCOMPUTER APPLICATION IN PLANNING

Introduction to Computer
COMPUTER: is an electronic device which accepts data, process it and produce result or store
it for future references. Data is inputted into the Computer to generate information for a variety
of purposes.
There is growing relevance of computers in planning. These relevance spans from inventory and
resource analysis as well as data presentation. In Urban and Regional Planning, the use of
Computer aided design (CAD) has replaced the traditional line drawings in most planning
schools. Similarly, the storage and manipulation of huge data in city data bank for rational
decision making is made possible by the versatile features of computers. Furthermore, computers
makes it possible for the application of contemporary information technology tools for sourcing
and safekeeping of city relevant data such as demographic and civic registration data,
employment data, facilities, infrastructure, legal as well as other useful data.

Computer also enables planners to process huge data into useful information. Data here refers to
any raw fact or figures that may not make sense to the user while Information is the processed or
refined product that can be understood by the user.

TYPES OF A COMPUTER
Computer may be classified according to functionality, physical size/power processing, and
purpose:

1. FUNCTIONALITY
A. Analogue (analog) computers
These computers deal with analog data. Analog data is that which continuous and progressively
changes value over time. These computers respond to natural occurrences’ such as temperature,
speed and pressure. They may be used in manufacturing industries to check finances condition

B. Digital computer
These computers handle digital data. Digital in that is it discrete. These means the data can be
represented as distinct values I.e. 1 or 0
C. Hybrid computer
These kind of computers would handle both analog and digital data.

2. PURPOSE
Under purpose computer there shall be two of them; general purpose and special purpose
computers.
A. General purpose computer
Designed t, perform no of tasks, these computers are installed with programs which will enable
them to handle a variety of duties. For instance, document processing calculation, accounting etc.

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 B. Special purpose computer
They are designed to perform only one special task. For instance, robots in CAMs belongs to this
kind of a computer.

C. PHYSICAL SIZE
a) Super computer
They are the biggest in size computers. They are fastest in term of speed, the most powerful
terms of the tasks they can perform at particular nanosecond and therefore the most expensive
only a few nation around the world can afford it. They would be used in complex computer
engineering and also serve other small computers in complex network.
b) Main frame computers
They are also very larger, powerful and expensive but lower than super. They are stationary in
the control room. They perform complex mathematical calculations. They a large storage
capacity and can support a number of peripheral thus require a number of people to operate one.
They are ideal in banks, airports, government agencies and large organizations.
c) Mini computers
These are down scaled versions of the mainframe computers. Have less speed, fewer peripherals,
less powerful etc. they can be found in research institution, engineering planes, scientific
laboratories etc.
d) Micro computers
These consists of relatively small, cheap and not so complicated a computer. They are also
transferable. They pose small silicon chip that analysis data. They are generally used in day to
day duties in homes, hospitals, schools etc. they are sub grouped into;

i. Personal computer (PC)

PC is operated by one person for most of it peripheral are single e. g mouse, CPU, keyboard etc.
they are usually placed on top of desk when operating thus dubbed desk top computer
ii. Laptop/notebook
These are small convenient and easily portable computer. They are placed on the lap when
operating. Laptops are multicolored and bigger than notebook. Most of these computers are
extremely expensive due to their convenience, portability and manufacturing technology. They
are ideal for use by managers, journalists, researchers etc.
iii. Palmtop computers/PDAs
These are tiny pockets computers usually placed on the palm when operating. In most cases they
are incorporated into mobile phones. They are ideal for business executives.

THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

Computer system comprises of all the parts that make computer phenomenon. There three major
parts of computer system:
 Software (programs)
 Hardware (devices)
 Org ware/ Live ware (user)
SOFTWARE (PROGRAMS)
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SOFTWARE
Software are the intangible component of the computer. They cannot be seen but only their
results. Software are programs. Program are sets of instructions in electronic language, written to
instruct the computer hardware on what to do and how to do it.

Types of software
 System software
 Application software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
These are programs concerned with the effective performance of the computer hardware. They
aid org ware (user) handle/ operate the computer. They act on the user’s instructions as he/ she
commands them. Some control various programs in order to achieve a certain duty.
System software can be grouped into;
1. Operating system software
Operating system (OS) is a complex amalgamation of programs which controls the execution of
the user applications. It enables the user access hardware and software resources of the computer.
They control, and coordinate most of the computer operation. OS could be single tasking or
multi- tasking, single user or multi - user, and command base interface, menu driven interface or
graphical user interface.

Functions of OS
 Job scheduling
 Resource control and allocation
 Input/ output handling
 Memory management
 Error handling
 Job sequencing
 Interrupt handling

Example of OS
 Microsoft windows
Windows has version such as
 MS Windows NT
 MS Windows me
 MS Windows 2000
 MS Windows XP
 MS Windows VISTA
 MS Windows 7
 MS Windows 8
 MS Windows 10 etc.
 Microsoft DOS (Disk Operating System)

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 UNIX
 Linux
 Macintosh (MAC OS)

2. Language translators
This system software electronically translates one language to another through a machine.
Language is computerized.
3. Utility/ service system software
These special system file that render services to commonly applied tasks within the computer.
These tasks include copying, sorting, file handling, disk management etc.
4. Communication system software
Enhances communication or interaction between people through machines e. g phone dealers,
network connection, internet etc.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
These are programs that enable the user to perform and achieve results from any perturbing
problem i.e they are applied by user to achieve a certain duty/ task.
Classes of application software
 User application
 Application packages
User application
They program designed for the computer user according to his/her specifications; there for
referred to as tailor-made. They are written by ordinary programmers for their client.
Application packages
These are ready made programs. They are complex for the keenly manufactured to accomplish
several tasks. They are directly bought form the shop and installed into the computer.
Sub-classes of application packages include:
 Word processor
These are designed to edit textual data. There is a lot of typing and formatting in this sub class.
Example include MS Word, Word Perfect, Word Star, Word Pro etc.
 Spreadsheets
These are designed to create and manipulate numerical data. Here formulas and functions are
utilized to enable calculation. Example MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, VisiCalc, VP Planner etc.
 Database
These are used to create, organize, store and manage huge amount of data. Example include MS
access, Dbase I-IV, Paradox, Fox pro etc.
 Presentation
These help to prepare notes and graphics in an artistic manner by a presenter intended to a
certain audience. Example include MS Power Point Freelance graphics etc.

 Graphics and design

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They also referred to as desktop publishing (DTP’s) because they were traditionally used for
publishing purposes. They highly employ both text and graphics. Example are Corel draw, adobe
page maker, Microsoft publisher, adobe photo shop, adobe illustrator etc.
 Accounting packages
They are meant to tackle and simplify the accounting aspect such as the ledgers, balance sheet,
assets, stock, report, chart etc. Example are Quick books, Quicken, Sage line 50, Pastel etc.

MALWARE
Short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather
sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Malware is defined by its
malicious intent, acting against the requirements of the computer user, and does not include
software that causes unintentional harm due to some deficiency. The term badware is sometimes
used, and applied to both true (malicious) malware and unintentionally harmful software

Probably the most well-known and most common type of malware,

Viruses consist of harmful programs designed to infect legitimate software programs. Once a
person installs and runs the infected program, the virus activates and spreads itself to other
programs installed on the computer before taking further action such as deleting critical files
within the operating system.

Similarly, Computer viruses are small software programs that are designed to spread from one
computer to another and to interfere with computer operation. A virus might corrupt or delete
data on your computer, use your e-mail program to spread itself to other computers, or even
erase everything on your hard disk.

Computer viruses are often spread by attachments in e-mail messages or instant messaging
messages. That is why it is essential that you never open e-mail attachments unless you know
who it is from and you are expecting it.

Worms are stand-alone programs that are able to transmit themselves across a network directly.
Unlike a computer virus, worms do not need to attach themselves to an existing program.
However both types of malware can cause severe damage by exploiting shared files and
databases.

Other malwares

Trojan Horse. Similar to Greek mythology, Trojans present themselves as harmless, useful
gifts, in order to persuade victims to install them on your computer. Thus, Trojans typically
appear as regular software. The catch is that the Trojan comes bundled with other software that
often includes a backdoor allowing unauthorized access to your computer. Trojans do not
attempt to inject themselves into other files or applications like computer viruses. Instead, they

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use tactics such as drive-by downloads or installing via online games in order to reach their
targets.

Adware and spyware. Though not technically fitting into the virus category, at times these
programs may invade your privacy, contain malicious code and at the very least become a
nuisance. Adware is a form of financially supported malware that usually presents itself as
unwanted advertisements to the user. The Internet is filled with these types of programs that can
hijack your PC for profit, most are hidden inside so-called “free” downloads and pop-up ads that
forcibly install software on systems with active vulnerabilities.

Similarly, spyware is a type of malware that surreptitiously gathers information and transmits it
to interested parties. Information gathered includes the websites visited, browser and system
information and IP address. Spyware does not have any infection mechanisms and is usually
dropped by Trojans. Once dropped, it installs itself on the victim’s computer and will begin
collecting information silently as to avoid detection.

A zombie works in a similar way to spyware. The difference is that a zombie does not usually
collect information from the computer. Instead, it just sits there waiting for commands from a
command-and-control server controlled by the attacker. Attackers infect tens of thousands of
computers, turning them into zombies and then issuing commands so that all of them
instantaneously send network requests to a target host, overwhelming it with traffic also known
as a DDoS attack or distributed denial of service.

HARDWARE (DEVICES)

Physical or tangible components of the computer are referred to as hardware. When the computer
is shut off, the hardware would remain visible. Hardware are sub grouped into four components
namely;
 CPU (processor)
 Input devices
 Output devices
 Storage devices

 CPU (central processing unit)

CPU also referred as the processor, is a small silicon chip housed inside the system unit of a
micro-computer which analyses raw data into information. It has been dubbed the computer
‘brain’ for it coordinates all the activities in the computer. The speed of the CPU is very
important for it determine the time to be taken and the amount of task to be carried out by the
computer modem CPUs range from P1-P4; whereby P4 is fastest. All input, output and
peripherals must be attached to the CPU via the motherboard of the system unit.
The CPU is sub-divided into three smaller areas;

 Control unit (CU)

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  Arithmetic and logical unit (ALU)
 Main memory

 Control Unit (CU)

Receive and analyses/interprets all instruction into the computer. Also delegates duties to all
other parts in the computer
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU)
Carries out all arithmetic/calculation in the computer. It also logically compares among the
operations in the computer.
 Main memory (MM)
It is compartment that holds current data & instruction. It is refers to as the primary storage
within the computer. It is sub-divided into;

 ROM (Read Only Memory)

It is the compartment once data has been written can ever be changed through ordinary computer
operation. It is stored permanently. It cannot be upgraded. Information is not volatile i.e. it
cannot be lost in case of a black out. For this reason, most system file necessary for computer
booting are stored here.

 RAM (Random Access Memory)

Also referred to as type write and ready memory. It is virtual memory. Information is
temporarily stored and thus volatile i.e it can be easily erased due to black out if not saved. This
memory is upgradeable or expandable thus increasing speed of the computer.
 Input devices
These are in the devices/ gadgets that enter data and instruction into the computer for processing
e. g keyboard, mouse, scanners, joy sticks, microphone and digital cameras.
 Output devices
These are the devices/ gadgets that relay the processed information out of the computer so that
the user can see, view, hear, read etc. example include monitor, visual display unit (VDU)
printer, speaker etc.

 Storage device
These are devices/gadgets capable of holding processed information within the computer
example are:
 Hard disk (hard drive/drive c)
 removable devices such as
 Floppy/ diskette/ drive a
 CD compact disk
 DVD digital versatile disk
 Tape drive: resemble ordinary video tapes. They can be used to back up information /
data. They are highly durable.

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  Flash disk: an external memory stick which can store huge amount of data. This is
becoming every ones mobile briefcase if not mobile office and thus rendering the
diskette.

STORAGE OF DATA IN COMPUTER

Storage is measured by bytes. Bytes are units which measure space occupied by data information
in the computer and storage device. One byte is made up of 8 bits. One bit is made up of 2 digits
i.e 1 and 0. In textual data, one byte is equivalent to one character.
1Bit =1 or 0
8Bits =1 Byte
1024 Byte =1 kilobyte
1024 KB =1 megabyte
1024 MB =1 gigabyte
1024 GB =1 terabyte

DRIVES AND MEMORY LOCATION

Drives
Drives are gadgets that have the ability to store information: floppy drive (drive a), hard drive
(drive c), tape drive, zip drive, jazz drive etc.
Memory location
Memory location are compartment within the computer established to store information.
Example include; desktop, my computer, document, recycle bin, file folders etc.

SYSTEM UNIT
System unit is a metallic or plastic casing that houses or protects most of the major parts that
control and define the computer. All these smaller parts are attached to the main board called
mother board or system board. Even all the peripheral are attached to the mother board at the
rare of the system unit. Mother board has multiple circuits that enhances transportation of data
and expansion slots that allow connection of additional parts. Some of parts found on system unit
are the CPU (processor), hard disk, drives, memory chip, cards, buses etc.

THE MOUSE
Mouse is an input device that enters instruction or retrieves commands out of the computer.
Mouse is an operating system that assist keyboard in operating computer. Mouse has two
buttons;
 Left mouse button LMB
 Right mouse button RMB
The LMB is the active button for it is after issue commands in to the computer. Is the inactive
button for it is not after use when the RMB is used, it is the retrieve commands out of the
computer.

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Org ware/ Live ware (user)
The user is a person who operates the computer
There are three experts
 Computer operator
 Computer programmer
 Computer designer

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SOFTWARE USED IN URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING

There are software that are applicable in the design and manipulation of planning designs. These
include AutoCAD, Google Earth, ArcView GIS etc.

QGIS

QGIS is a free, open source Geographic Information System with powerful capabilities.
Compatible with Esri (the industry standard maker of ArcGIS), QGIS is perfect for the planner
looking to expand their design capabilities. Use QGIS to view multiple layers of mapped data
relative to one another, group locations or elements with sets of criteria, determine distance
calculations, examine proximities, and quickly create figure ground maps. QGIS makes it simple
to quickly get up to speed with the program with an extremely active support community.

GOOGLE EARTH

Google Earth is a crucial tool that lends itself to a variety of professional applications.
Particularly useful to urban planners and urban designers alike is the ability to explore cities
from an axonometric view (from the perspective of a low flying plane). Other settings provide
the ability to experience a 3D perspective, accurately measure distance, and integrate with GIMP
and SketchUp. Beyond these practical aspects, the potential to explore cities and landscapes
around the world makes Google Earth a ground-breaking resource.

AUTOCAD:

AutoCAD has become the most popular and widely used CAD software with its accuracy, high
efficiency, and easy modification. AutoCAD is a general-purpose computer-aided drawing and
design software launched by the American company Autodesk. It is powerful, simple to operate,
and easy to master.

The CAD software used by many planning departments is based on AutoCAD to organize
human development; some units use pirated commercial software. In this way, CAD professional
planning and design software generally presents the characteristics of multiple, chaotic,
miscellaneous, and incomplete functions. The reasons are as follows: Although successful

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commercial professional design software exists, most of them are expensive and the maintenance
and upgrade costs are unbearable. Organizing manpower to develop a full-featured planning and
design software requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple people. It takes a long time
and high development costs; the requirements for software developers, that is, to be familiar with
the relevant professional expertise and workflow, and to have a high level of computer
application. And, because most of these planning CAD systems are developed based on
AutoCAD systems, and the development of urban planning, as well as the frequent upgrades of
AutoCAD software itself, the original urban planning CAD systems do not meet the needs of
current urban planning and design. In this case, it is necessary to develop an urban planning
CAD system based on the AutoCAD environment familiar to current planners and solving
specific problems encountered in planning and design. The urban planning CAD system
discussed in this paper is such a system. It focuses on solving practical problems encountered in
urban planning and design. These problems mainly include the standardization of drawing (such
as standard frames, standard layers, etc.), professional design of graphics library, customization
of special line types of urban planning (such as sewage, rainwater line), and graphics storage.
The solution of these problems can make urban planning and design more standardized,
standardized, and fast, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and quality of urban planning,
and promoting the active and healthy development of urban planning and urban construction.

In planning, the planning scheme is often first drafted by the planner by hand, and these sketches
need to be converted into accurate planning drawings that conform to the specifications. This
requires planners to use AutoCAD software to complete complex and heavy drafting work. By
using common tools such as polylines, fills, offsets, chamfers, and labels, it can reduce the
workload of planners while improving the accuracy and quality of drawing. With the
development of urbanization and industrialization, urban planning has been increasingly valued
by government departments at all levels. Scientific and efficient planning is an important
prerequisite for the healthy development of urbanization in China. At the same time, the planning
and design department also put forward higher requirements for software in this industry.
Therefore, the development of the functions of the corresponding planning and design software
must also keep pace with the times, facing the task of constantly upgrading functions and
updating methods and ideas under new platforms and technologies. However, the research and
development of CAD system is a rather complicated system engineering. The relevant planning

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departments have increasingly rich and complex requirements for CAD functions, and the
requirements for intelligent and networked software are more and more urgent. Due to limited
time and energy, some modules of this system are not yet perfect, and some aspects are only in
the stage of research results. Compared with some successful commercial secondary
development products, there are still gaps, some are incomplete. The local needs to be further
improved and improved in future work. At present, the urban planning field mainly uses the
"Xiangyuan Control Regulations" software based on the secondary development of the
AutoCAD platform. This software is targeted for urban planning and development, and its
corresponding functions are generated for various aspects of planning. Relatively complete,
corresponding symbol libraries have been designed according to planning requirements to
achieve the standardization of expression forms. At the same time, the vertical drawing of roads
used in the master plan, the drawing of municipal pipeline networks, and the sub-plans and
regulations in the control plan have been added. Indicators and other functions have high
automation and clear and direct functions, and have quickly become the most important technical
means in the field of urban planning.

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