CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Parsons Brinckerhoff has approached GeneXus USA to help with the development of an app that will be used at an upcoming conference hosted by the American Planning Association (APA). “GeneXus USA was selected to create the app because of their rapid development expertise and capability to deploy apps in multiple platforms cost effectively,” said Tom Coleman, Parsons Brinckerhoff.
APA hosts a yearly, four-day event, and this year thousands of people will be attending here in Chicago. The Chicago Planning Tour app will allow participants to partake in exploring Chicago, and indulge in the different planning projects.
The localization service in the Chicago Planning Tour app uses the device’s GPS to help participants locate various planning sites. The features of the app include:
- Info option: providing the history of the site and its development plan
- Social media interaction: Facebook check-in and post, tweet through app
- Options to support the project
- Contact information
Interestingly, the app’s usage won’t stop at the end of the five-day conference. The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) will oversee the app, working closely with GeneXus USA, and use it to help promote sensible planning and development in the Chicago region. MPC has worked with several nonprofits and planning agencies across the region to collect strong examples of planning and development that are transit accessible. The sites currently featured on the app, as well as future additions, will interest not only planners, students of planning, and planning buffs, but also anyone who lives in or visits the region and wants to know more about the innovative ways it is growing and changing, according to MPC Communications Director Mandy Burrell Booth.
“The app showcases how our region is constantly evolving, which is what strong, healthy regions do,” says Burrell Booth. “The app also shows that good planning is a collective effort by governments, nonprofits, businesses and communities. We hope these great examples encourage people to get involved in shaping their communities, whether by adding their input to a plan for a new community park or weighing in on transit funding debates.”
Burrell Booth encourages organizations and communities to submit projects to add to the map.
Visit the official Chicago Planning App website today at http://www.chicagoplanningtour.com.
ABOUT GENEXUS USA
GeneXus USA is a global provider of innovative and cost-effective software solutions for building mission-critical applications faster and smarter. Founded in 2004, GeneXus USA is headquartered in Chicago and is a minority and woman-owned technology company. GeneXus USA is known to build customized and tailored applications fast and inexpensively using GeneXus’ development technology. For more information, email them at info@genexususa.com, or call (312) 836-9152. For the latest information about new and emerging technologies, follow them on Twitter at @GeneXusUSA, or visit www.genexususa.com.
ABOUT PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF
Parsons Brinckerhoff is a leader in developing and operating infrastructure around the world, with 14,000 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of clients and communities in the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia-Pacific regions. The firm offers skills and resources in strategic consulting, planning, engineering, program/construction management, and operations for transportation, power, mining, water/wastewater, and community development projects. Parsons Brinckerhoff is part of Balfour Beatty, an international infrastructure services business operating in professional services,construction services, support services and infrastructure investments, they now offer innovation in the mobile applications can be easily tailored to meet projects needs, visit their site at www.pbworld.com.
ABOUT METROPOLITAN PLANNING COUNCIL
In these tough economic times, Chicago-area leaders need practical strategies that drive regional growth and support vibrant, livable neighborhoods with quality homes and transportation options, strong local economies and well-managed natural assets. The nonprofit, nonpartisan Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is known for developing and implementing innovative, pragmatic solutions to the region’s most vexing challenges. Through quality research, strategic advocacy and frontline demonstration projects, MPC helps governments, businesses and communities confront the region’s most pressing needs, so that everyone who lives and works here can thrive. Learn more at www.metroplanning.org.
ABOUT AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION
The American Planning Association is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities. APA and its professional institute, the American Institute of Certified Planners, are dedicated to advancing the art, science and profession of good planning -- physical, economic and social -- so as to create communities that offer better choices for where and how people work and live. Members of APA help create communities of lasting value and encourage civic leaders, business interests and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives. APA has offices in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, Ill. For more information, visit www.planning.org.