Urban Planner Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does an Urban Planner Do?
Urban planners create development plans for towns, urban areas, cities, and regions. They research the needs of the community or the region (economic, social, transport) and evaluate other parameters such as sustainability in order to present solid programs aimed at the improvement of the site.
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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.
These are common skills for this role, based on a European framework. Requirements vary between jobs, including in the UK. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box - use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Urban Planner
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialUrban Planning knowledge
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.
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EssentialDemography knowledge
The scientific field of study that deals with studying the size, structure, and distribution of the human population, and its geographical and temporal changes.
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EssentialZoning Codes knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
2 books -
EssentialArchitecture Regulations knowledge
The regulations, statutes, and legal agreements existing in the European Union in the field of architecture.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialBuilding Codes knowledge
The set of guidelines that determine the minimum standards for buildings and other constructions in order to protect public health and safety.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialEnvironmental Policy knowledge
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.
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialGreen Space Strategies knowledge
The authority's vision on how to use its green space. This includes the goals it wants to achieve, the resources, methods, legislative framework, and time needed to meet these goals.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialBuild Business Relationships skill
Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Feasibility Study skill
Perform the evaluation and assessment of the potential of a project, plan, proposition or new idea. Realise a standardised study which is based on extensive investigation and research to support …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialLiaise With Local Authorities skill
Maintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdvise On Use Of Land skill
Recommend the best ways to use land and resources. Advise on locations for roads, schools, parks, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMeet Building Regulations skill
Communicate with construction inspection, e.g. by submitting schemes and plans, to make sure all construction regulations, laws and codes are dealt with correctly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialStudy Human Population skill
Analyse data about the human population in a specific geographic area in order to uncover trends such as mortality rate, migration, and fertility rates.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 28 displayed)
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OptionalProject Management knowledge
Understand project management and the activities which comprise this area. Know the variables implied in project management such as time, resources, requirements, deadlines, and responding to unexpected events.
Recommended Books
1 book -
OptionalScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Recommended Books
5 books -
OptionalArchitectural Conservation knowledge
The practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalHistoric Architecture knowledge
The techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalScientific Modelling knowledge
Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalCartography knowledge
The study of interpreting the elements depicted in maps, the measures and technical specifications.
Recommended Books
2 books -
OptionalConstruction Methods knowledge
The various techniques and methods for erecting buildings and other constructions.
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OptionalCAD Software knowledge
The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalLandscape Architecture knowledge
The principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalPublic Housing Legislation knowledge
The regulations and legislation concerning the construction, maintenance and allocation of public housing facilities.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalTopography knowledge
Graphic representation of the surface features of a place or region on a map indicating their relative positions and elevations.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAdvise Architects skill
Give advice on design, safety issues, and cost reduction to architects during the pre-application phase.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Legislative Acts skill
Advise officials in a legislature on the propositioning of new bills and the consideration of items of legislation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Pollution Prevention skill
Advise individuals and organisations on the development and implementation of actions which aid in the prevention of pollution and its related risks.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Land Surveys skill
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.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Public Surveys skill
Conduct the procedures of a public survey from the initial formulation and compilation of the questions, identifying the target audience, managing the survey method and operations, managing the processing of …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalProvide Technical Expertise skill
Provide expert knowledge in a particular field, especially concerning mechanical or scientific subjects, to decision makers, engineers, technical staff or journalists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse CAD Software skill
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Architectural Matters skill
Provide advice on architectural design, based on knowledge of matters such as spatial division, balance of construction elements, and aesthetics.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAdvise On Building Matters skill
Provide advice on building matters to the various parties involved in construction projects. Bring to their awareness important building considerations and consult on construction budgets.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCommunicate With Local Residents skill
Explain building and landscaping projects to local residents in order to obtain their approval and co-operation.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDesign Spatial Layout Of Outdoor Areas skill
Design the spatial layout and functional and architectural appearance of outdoor areas. Integrate green spaces, social spaces, and regulatory aspects in outdoor design.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Concepts For City Marketing skill
Work on innovative ideas to promote a positive image of a city or region to attract residents, investors and tourists, such as regenerating the city centre by creating a pedestrian …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPlan Public Housing skill
Plan the construction of public housing while adhering to architectural regulations and urban planning principles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPromote Innovative Infrastructure Design skill
Throughout the coordination of an engineering project, promote the development of infrastructure that is innovative and sustainable, in line with the latest developments in the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPromote Sustainability skill
Promote the concept of sustainability to the public, colleagues and fellow professionals through speeches, guided tours, displays and workshops.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStudy Traffic Flow skill
Study the synergy between vehicles, chauffeurs, and the transportation infrastructure such as roads, road signs and lights in order to create a road network where traffic can move efficiently and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
