Sistemas de apoio à decisão em planeamento: desafios metodológicos e conceptuais

Abstract

This article discusses decision-support methodologies for spatial planning. More specifically, it analyses the challenges that come with implementing this type of methodology to address the increasing complexity of contemporary urban systems. This complexity stresses the need for decisions to be based on technically sound information and procedures, and on approaches that integrate different dimensions and data sources to increase the legitimacy, transparency, and flexibility of urban policies. Three fundamental issues are addressed. First, urban transformations are analysed at different scales, highlighting the factors that are most relevant for understanding them. Second, the importance of decision support systems for spatial planning is discussed, considering the different planning paradigms and the demands placed on devising and implementing urban policies. Third, an integrated decision support model is proposed.