Land Use Planning and Management

Knowledge of mathematics and statistics acquired during the degree programme is recommended.

No prior knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required. Geographic information is introduced through guided activities, with the data and procedures needed for the tasks.

Classes combine theoretical explanations and demonstrations with applied exercises, the interpretation of maps and documents, comparison of alternatives and justification of decisions. Discussion and feedback are integrated into the exercises, followed by concluding summaries.

Real cases and data with identified sources are preferred. Realistic fictional cases and teaching adaptations are clearly identified. Photographs, maps, figures and diagrams support understanding. Exercises provide variety and progression, avoiding repetition that does not contribute to learning.

Individual or small-group work, guided research and the presentation of findings develop analytical and communication skills. Activities involving geographic information prioritise territorial interpretation before more advanced technical use of the tools.

Theoretical-practical and tutorial hours are taught together, without a formal separation in class, integrating course content, guided applications and support with learning difficulties. Reading, preparing and completing exercises and consolidating concepts complement contact hours.

By the end of the course unit, students should be able to:

1. Understand the conceptual basis of spatial planning and distinguish spatial planning, urban planning and urban development management.
2. Recognise the relationship between spatial planning and sustainable development, interpret the effects of urban planning choices and relate them to relevant Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.
3. Identify the powers and duties of local authorities in urban planning and development.
4. Explore the content of municipal planning instruments to analyse specific situations.
5. Understand the legal framework for municipal planning and urban development management and identify the relevant sources.
6. Apply fundamental demographic, socio-economic, physical and urban analysis techniques and interpret their results and limitations.

1. Theories and concepts of spatial planning
   Distinction between spatial planning, urban planning and urban development management. Scales, actors, approaches and the planning process.
2. Sustainable development and urban planning
   Basic concepts of sustainable urban planning and sustainable urbanism. Links to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, particularly SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities.
3. Spatial planning and management in Portugal
   Legal framework. Local authorities: definition, types, duties and powers in urban planning and development.
4. Municipal urban planning
   Conceptual and legal framework. Core instruments and techniques for demographic, socio-economic, physical and urban analysis. Applications to transport and community facilities planning.
5. Municipal urban development management
   Practices and procedures, with particular emphasis on development permitting. Use of geographic information in urban development management.
6. Main legislation governing spatial planning and urban development
   Study of the applicable versions, taking account of amendments, commencement dates and transitional provisions.

Applications connect territorial diagnosis, the assessment of alternatives and the implementation of interventions. They include transport and community facilities planning problems, as well as situations involving mobility and public space. Territorial analysis combines demographic, socio-economic, physical and urban data, using indicators, maps, documents and observation of the territory as appropriate to the problem being studied. Methods for comparing alternatives and cost-benefit analysis are used in selected municipal planning problems.

Assessment Model M2 applies: periodic assessment takes place and is completed during the teaching period, before examinations. Assessment by examination is also available during the designated periods, under this course description and the applicable regulations.

Tests and examinations are written and individual and include conceptual questions, interpretation and application of course content.

Assessment routes

There are two alternative assessment routes:

• Two tests: the first takes place halfway through the semester and the second during the last week of classes. Each test accounts for 50% of the final grade and covers the content announced in advance by the lecturer.
• Final examination: it covers the whole syllabus and may be taken during the regular or resit examination period. The final grade is the examination grade.

Access to examinations and grade improvement:

• Students who choose the tests may not take the examination during the regular examination period; if they do not pass through the tests, they may take the examination during the resit period.
• Students who choose the examination may take it during the regular or resit period; if unsuccessful in the regular period, they may retake it during the resit period.
• Grade improvement is carried out by examination during the periods and under the conditions established in the applicable regulations.

Assessment structure and minimum marks

Each test and examination has two sections:

• Theoretical section: worth 7 marks, with a minimum of 2.1 marks required.
• Practical section: worth 13 marks, with a minimum of 3.9 marks required.

At least 30% of the marks allocated to each section is required. Under the two-test route, these minimum requirements must be met in each test.

The theoretical section assesses concepts, relationships between topics, planning instruments, the responsibilities of the actors involved and the legal framework. The practical section includes calculations, interpretation of maps and documents, case analysis and justification of decisions.

Passing requirements

Students pass when they meet the minimum requirements for their assessment route and their final grade, rounded to the nearest integer, is at least 10 on a 0-20 scale.

Rules during assessments

During tests and examinations:

• Communication between students is not permitted.
• Consultation of materials is not permitted, except for materials supplied or expressly authorised by the lecturer.
• Internet access, artificial intelligence tools, mobile phones and other materials or equipment are not permitted, except for those expressly authorised by the lecturer.
• Permission to use the formula sheet, supporting documents and a calculator is specified in the instructions for each assessment and, where applicable, for each section.

Academic fraud

Attempted or completed academic fraud is subject to the Academic Regulations for First-Cycle Programmes of the IPC and ISEC and the Student Disciplinary Regulations, in their respective versions in force.

Where there are reasonable grounds to suspect fraud or question authorship, the grade is withheld and an individual oral clarification examination may be held on the content and procedures assessed, before a panel constituted under the applicable regulations. Its sole purpose is to clarify the facts, without improving or replacing the assessment. If the suspicion persists, the regulatory procedures and consequences apply; where fraud is established, the assessment is annulled and the student fails the course unit with the designation Excluded for Fraud (EF), without prejudice to any disciplinary or criminal liability.

NAO