BIM is not actually a new term, but it is a term which not all planners are familiar with, so it is worth covering as part of this series, especially as next we will look at the related term Digital Twin. BIM stands for Building Information Modelling. It is an information system to support theContinue reading "Tech Terms: BIM"
Tech Terms: Geofence
A geofence is a virtual perimeter around a real world area. Geofence technology can be used to identify when someone or something enters or leaves the geofenced area. This then triggers some form of action. For example, Countdown supermarkets use geofence technology for their Click and Collect service. A geofence applies to the area withinContinue reading "Tech Terms: Geofence"
Introducing PlanTech
At the recent PIA Congress in Australia, a small group of delegates were surveyed to gauge how familiar urban planners are with technology related terms. I would like to replicate that survey in NZ at some point, but for now I was inspired to cover a few of these terms in the blog to raise awareness ofContinue reading "Introducing PlanTech"
Smartphone Productivity
Smartphones are an integral tool in our workflows these days, but how can we be more productive with them. Check out these eight hints for using your mobile device more productively. 1. Sync your phone with your other devices Ensure that you are working over the cloud so that regardless of the device you areContinue reading "Smartphone Productivity"
Choosing the right productivity software
Productivity software options have grown significantly in the past few years. If you are not yet incorporating any of these products into your workflows, it is important to give one a try. This post gives you some hints for choosing the right productivity app(s). The key considerations are: Function - what you need it toContinue reading "Choosing the right productivity software"
Hacks for Browsing the Web
Today's post deals with how you can make the most of your web browser (for most people that will be the market leader Google Chrome). Not something we commonly think about, but it is the window through which we view all pages on the internet, so it is a very heavily used tool in ourContinue reading "Hacks for Browsing the Web"
Hacks for MS Word
In today's post I share some hacks for using MS Word. I shared this earlier in the year at the NZPI conference, but these hints are worth mentioning again, just in case you weren't at the conference. Firstly, the biggest impediment to making efficient use of Word is old habits. MS Word doesn’t require you toContinue reading "Hacks for MS Word"
Boost your typing skills
Your typing speed (and accuracy) makes a big difference to your productivity. When was the last time you considered and fine-tuned your typing abilities? There are some great tools online for self-assessment and training, and we check them out in this post. One of the biggest myths is that you can't improve your typing abilityContinue reading "Boost your typing skills"
Powerpoint Hacks – Easy Ways to Add Images
The difference between planners and our colleagues in the design professions is never more evident than when it comes time to give a presentation. Architects and designers have presentations filled with inspiring images, whereas planners tend to ... shall we say ... over use the text. Adding some images to your presentations is not tooContinue reading "Powerpoint Hacks – Easy Ways to Add Images"
Outlook Hacks – managing the inbox
Too many emails! Don't waste your valuable attention and focus clearing your inbox. Check out these three hints. Get rid of duplicate emails in a conversation Opt out of conversations you don't need to be copied in on Get rid of emails only relevant on that day 1. Get rid of duplicate emails in aContinue reading "Outlook Hacks – managing the inbox"
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