Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has launched a new map-based app using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to ease information search on general planning decisions, according to a blog post yesterday by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

“If you wish to buy or lease a property, you will want to know more about the property, e.g. the approved use and storey height of the building, whether it has been approved for major renovation works in the past, and the approved use of the surrounding properties,” described Khaw.

Information on properties and the Authority’s plans are highly sought after by the public and professionals. Last year, URA reported more than 20,000 searches on its online database.

Khaw said that retrieving information from the online database is manual and can be quite cumbersome.

The new application eases the search process and makes data more accessible to the public.

By keying in an address or clicking on a building on the map, users will be shown relevant decisions on any new building erection, addition and alteration of structures, change of use, and land or building subdivision.