Professor Ali Modarres, California State University, Los Angeles, November 17, 1995

"Urban Environment" refers to the web of environmental and social factors that combine to create the urban world in which we live. Population distribution, neighborhood demographic profiles, economic resources, business activities, location and concentration of environmental hazards and various pollutants, proximity and level of urban services, etc. form the basis of our urban lives and experiences.

The environment, social concern and the economy all must be included as we work to solve the many problems of our neighborhood and region. But effective solutions require reliable data and analysis. To be understood, this data must be visualized presented; Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing brings information to life. These technologies allow us to collect information on simple or complex questions important to planning and decision-making. The following are only examples of specific questions that can be answered:

* Where are hazardous waste sites, generators and storage facilities in our community?

* How has development changed our community's land use pattern in the last ten years, and where are the changes occurring?

* What is the air quality in our community and how does it compare to other parts of the region?

* What are the locations where pollutants are discharged into Santa Monica Bay?

* How might planned development or other changes alter traffic patterns or air quality in the community?

* What percentage of the land in our community is devoted to commercial uses, housing, open space, etc.?

* Is the urban vegetation changing and if so, how?

* How is growth affecting the urban environment? How are specific habitats affected by this process?

* Where are public or private services located in the community and who are they serving well or poorly?

* What types of businesses are located in a specific community?

Results can be provided for one point in time, or they can indicate changes over time (e.g., where are people of different ethnicities moving to or from in the region?). The Urban Environment Initiative has support to work with community and local government organizations to make available easily understood graphics and the kinds of information and answers that each group needs. We will train member