The research in BeDS for BUG is incorporated in the course unit PLAN60962 Digital Planning Decision Support Systems, being taught to several Msc programmes in planning and data sciences. 

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The course unit focus on the use of decision support methods and techniques in multiple areas of spatial planning, urban design and transport planning.

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This course unit is key to the development of the topical data-driven approach to urban planning, in line with the current policy agenda on future cities, big data and artificial intelligence, as well as in the UN New Urban Agenda in its multiple layers of good decision-making procedures for sustainable development. The theoretical and methodological content of the course provides training to future professionals in working in decision making in the current data-driven environment, both in the context of developed countries but also in developing countries of the Global South.

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The course unit is supported by a comprehensive reading list that is a starting point for key discussions in DS for urban issues, addressing theoretical and methodological aspects of different DS methods used in common practice, along with advanced methods based on engagement tools to a wide range of stakeholders. The issue of usability and applicability of DS knowledge and methods is central to this reading list. The 2021/2022 edition of the reading list is available here.