Redlands, California—July 2, 2012—A Framework for Geodesign: Changing Geography by Design, published by Esri Press, details the procedures that pioneer landscape architect and planner Carl Steinitz developed for the implementation of geodesign in the planning process.

Geodesign is a methodology that provides a design framework and supporting technology to leverage geographic information, resulting in designs that more closely follow natural systems.

Describing A Framework for Geodesign, author Steinitz says, "This book should be seen as a discussion with examples, intended to illustrate the issues and choices involved in the organization and management of large and complex geodesign studies and projects."

Steinitz' framework is shaped by a set of six key questions he developed while analyzing and refining the geodesign process:

● How should the study area be described?

● How does the study area function?

● Is the current study area working well?

● How might the study area be altered?

● What difference might the changes cause?

● How should the study area be changed?

"Geodesign is a vision for using geographic knowledge to actively and thoughtfully design," says Jack Dangermond, Esri president. "It will link and build the next generation of both geography and design. What Carl's book does so powerfully is find the common ground between the science of geography and the methods of design. Its publication marks a milestone in the evolution of geodesign, and it will be used for many generations as a framework for creating our common future."

Carl Steinitz is the Alexander and Victoria Wiley Professor of Landscape Architecture and Planning, Emeritus, at the Graduate School of Design, Harvard University. For more information about Steinitz and his work, read "A Conversation with Carl Steinitz" by Carla Wheeler in the April 2012 issue of ArcWatch. Steinitz will be available to autograph his book at the Esri International User Conference on Tuesday, July 24, between noon and 1:30 p.m. in the Spatial Outlet.

A Framework for Geodesign: Changing Geography by Design (ISBN: 978-1-58948-333-0, 224 pages, US$79.95) is available at online retailers worldwide, at esri.com/esripress, or by calling 1-800-447-9778. Outside the United States, visit esri.com/esripressorders for complete ordering options, or visit esri.com/distributors to contact your local Esri distributor. Interested retailers can contact Esri Press book distributor Ingram Publisher Services.

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