Jack Bauer: Extreme Planner

26 Oct 2009, 08:15 3 Comments View Comments | Add Comment

Microsoft has just released Windows 7, the new 'must-have' computer operating system and my thoughts naturally turned to the similarities between planners and Jack Bauer, star of TV series 24 and acknowledged IT user/freak.

It is now difficult to remember the days when the simplest request for information from a local planning authority needed a letter, a visit to the Council offices, or a phone call, rather than an email or a quick ramble through a website.

But watching Jack Bauer on TV, we can see how planning will be in the future. No, I'm not suggesting that we introduce torture as a means of cross-examining a reluctant witness (mind you, now I think about it ......). Rather, I'm thinking of his use of technology when he is in hostile territory somewhere (planning reception?). He presses a couple of keys on his cell phone and he has instant access to real time satellite images which can show him who is standing behind him. Remember that Jack has been shot, knifed and beaten so often and actually killed once (don't ask), that looking over his shoulder like a normal human being just isn't possible, as his head would fall off.

For some reason, his cell phone battery is never about to expire, he doesn't need to remember his log in or password and his pop up blocker doesn't stop him for searching for apparently innocent subjects. But even the most humble of planners now uses a computer to communicate with the world, to do site visits via Google Earth (what do you mean, the images are seven years old? what difference does that make?) and to write reports and "To Do" lists.

So what does the future hold for us planners, IT-wise? Well, the use of high definition satellite images will certainly make it easier to find out whether that unauthorised building has been in place for long enough to prevent enforcement action. Of course, we will have a paper-less office, once the geeks work out a way to digitise scaled drawings in an accurate and cost effective way. And those bulging case files will only be seen in planning museums (a concept to get the pulses racing!) as we will all have Kindle-like e-book readers which double as an MP3 player and your best friend.

If I'm being completely honest, there are a few subtle differences between a rogue Counter Terrorism Unit operative and a planner, but there are similarities as well - time driven targets and a lack of sleep to mention but two.

But clearly the key question for Jack Bauer is: why aren't you on Twitter?

Next week .........Homer Simpson - Planning Inspector - d'oh!

Your Comments

3 Comments Add Comment

Very amusing. …

comment by Robyn | 27/10/2009 15:57:48

How did we cope!…

comment by Caroline | 28/10/2009 09:29:17

Great comment piece. I'm also pretty sure that Jack also walked away from a nuclear blast at one point. It's good to get an insight into the life of a planner, real time. …

comment by Julian | 28/10/2009 09:33:30