National environmental led multi-disciplinary consultancy Lanpro has appointed data specialist Alasdair Rae (main picture) to the newly created position of Head of Data and Spatial Analysis.
Rae, a former Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at the University of Sheffield, is an internationally acclaimed author and his geospatial analysis work has been viewed and shared by millions of people worldwide, having been featured frequently in mainstream media.
With Rae’s appointment, Lanpro says that it will build on its services which include planning, EIA, master planning, urban design, GIS, visualisation, historic environment, landscape architecture, ecology and arboriculture consultancy services, nationwide from seven offices.
And in creating this role, Lanpro has acquired Automatic Knowledge, the data, analysis and training company founded by Rae, and his associate Elvis Nyanzu will join the Lanpro team in the coming months.
STRATEGIC MOVE
Faraz Baber, Chief Operating Officer of Lanpro, says: “The creation of this role is another strategic move in the company’s ambitious growth plans.
“Alasdair’s unrivalled experience and knowledge in the world of data, geospatial analysis and GIS will create a further specialist service for our clients.
“It is a unique service which will ensure that our clients are fully informed from the outset on their potential land acquisitions through to a data driven approach to ascertaining and mitigating any risks associated with the planning and development process.
“This includes the opportunities and plans to understand the environmental considerations, constraints, societal demands and infrastructure needs.”
WIDER NARRATIVE
And he adds: “The ability to identify data sets and run deeply technical analysis to create data models that reveal patterns and translate the meaning of data into the commercial implications for development and provide the wider narrative that supports clear decision making will ensure our clients and stakeholders alike are better informed.”
Rae has previously carried out work for the BBC, United Nations Development Programme, Rightmove, local authorities and combined authorities.
Rae says: “The world of data is changing and is integral to the world of planning and development.
“Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis have incredible potential to both answer questions and raise new ones, also to uncover patterns and trends that would otherwise remain hidden.
“It’s about creating better understanding of functional economic geography as well as turning complex raw data into instantly useful information which is transforming the way that our sector functions.
“I look forward to creating a strategic advantage to Lanpro’s clients, using the power of data to deliver on the growth agenda.”
