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Planning Support Systems (PSS) are geo-information based tools to support planning. Since the term PSS appeared for the first time in the late 1980s it has evolved into a serious academic subfield. In this debate, little systematic attention has been paid to the added value of PSS for planning practice. In particular the perspective of users requires more empirical attention. This paper attempts to fill this gap by answering the question: What is the practitioner’s perception of the added value of PSS? In doing so we first develop a conceptual framework including the most important added values of PSS observed in the literature. Next, we describe an empirical study of the MapTable PSS, a support tool that is relatively frequently used in the Netherlands. Fifteen interviews were conducted and a Group Decision Room workshop was organized in order to systematically gather perceptions of users about the added value of this PSS. Added values that particularly emphasized are improved collaboration and communication among stakeholders, something which resonates with recent trends in planning. The added value of a better informed outcome is, somewhat surprisingly, considered less important. In order to deepen our understanding, we recommend more research in different contexts and with different tools.

Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant (USEPA, 2002). In recent years, there have been a rising number of brownfield redevelopment practices in Chinese cities. However, some redevelopment practices have been unsuccessful in spite of cautious planning whereas others have been successful in the absence of any planning. It is largely due to China’s rapid urbanization on one hand, and inadequate information on the locations and conditions of brownfield on the other. To address the gaps, an integrative methodology is devised based on two frameworks, one for identifying potential instead of actual brownfields, and one for establishing priorities for redevelopment. The first framework identifies potential brownfields through four steps: (1) define input sites; (2) verify environmental liability; (3) confirm tax delinquency; and (4) cross-check with industrial classification code. The second framework prioritize the identified potential brownfield sites with a set of criteria which are selected and weighed based on key interviews and the study of local reference cases. The utility of this methodology is exemplified with the case study of Futian in Shenzhen. Local data including land use data, tax and environmental records of 2005 and the development plan for 2006–2010 are utilized. We conclude that this methodology properly responds to the increasing need of urban planners in making proactive plans for brownfield redevelopment in Chinese cities.

Planning support systems are a subset of computer-based geo-information instruments, each of which incorporates a unique suite of components that planners can utilise to explore and manage their particular activities. The components may include data sets, computer algorithms and display facilities, as well as more abstract theoretical constructs, knowledge and modelling capabilities. PSS are used to support the planning process by communicating information as well as by generating solutions. An Internet-based inventory was established in 2000–2001 to identify the existence and use of PSS in planning practice worldwide. In this paper we take a closer look at the instruments recorded in the inventory and some of their main characteristics. Some recommendations are made for the development and application of PSS in the future.