Business Action Center launches free geospatial tool for municipalities and developers | ROI-NJ

The Office of Planning Advocacy within the New Jersey Business Action Center at the Department of State recently launched its new NJ Smart Growth Explorer data tool. Developed by the Rowan University Geospatial Research Lab, the NJ Smart Growth Explorer is a free comprehensive informational tool that provides data to municipalities and developers for development and conservation efforts.

The tool provides several mapping layers to identify climate and environmental information alongside development/redevelopment factors that help provide a comprehensive view of New Jersey’s landscape.

By utilizing this data, users can more easily site projects earlier in the development process, making projects more efficient and less costly.

“Smart Growth is when development and redevelopment happen in a pattern and in locations that coordinate with infrastructure and best serve people to result in great communities,” John Hasse, professor and principal investigator for the Rowan team leading the development of the site, said. “Smart Growth also protects natural resources and avoids risky areas such as flood zones. The NJ Smart Growth Explorer provides free access to some of the best mapping data available to help New Jersey municipalities best achieve their community goals.”

“The Explorer is a living Beta tool that will be constantly improved based on feedback we receive from users, particularly municipal and county land use officials, and the land use planning community,” Melanie Willoughby, executive director of the NJBAC, said. “Mapping layers include data sources from numerous state and federal agencies combined in one location to present a comprehensive view of New Jersey.”

This Beta tool is available publicly, along with a training video, by clicking here.