ABSTRACT

The field of landscape planning and management is increasingly impacted by automation, as technical developments in computer hardware and software make it possible to remove humans from decision-making processes. Moving forward, it is critical to consider not only the opportunities but also the challenges that accompany such profound change. This chapter takes up this discussion by asking: what is ‘smart’ urban nature? How does a digital approach to landscape planning and management mediate the configuration and development of urban nature and to whose benefit? This is done through a review of key issues and trends in digital approaches to urban nature planning and management. Principal points are elucidated through three digital case studies. The chapter is concluded with a discussion regarding the social and material implications of smart urban natures, outlining potential implications for the field of landscape planning and management.