Spatial planning vs. regional planning — what's the difference?

Geographers and students of other spatially-related sciences learn from the first semester onwards what space means and how it is related to the systems, factors and conditions surrounding it. Nevertheless, the kaleidoscope of spatial concepts is quite confusing – reason enough to shed some light on the subject.

In this article, you will not only learn what the terms ‘spatial planning’ and ‘regional planning’ mean, but also what distinguishes these two disciplines. Whether this knowledge will help you with your studies, career planning or job search is up to you.

In the meantime, it's worth taking a look at GoGeoGo, a platform for green, planning and geospatial professions.

Table of Content

• What is spatial planning?‍
• What exactly do spatial planners do?‍
• Spatial planning or regional planning?‍
• Summary spatial and regional planning

Spatial planning is interdisciplinary not only because of its spatial reference, but also because of its position at the interface between social, engineering and natural sciences. It deals with all aspects of human life and work and the corresponding interactions with the environment. In doing so, spatial planning refers to several spatial levels:

• Micro level (e.g. living environment, biotopes, etc.)
• Larger micro level (e.g. residential area, district, etc.)
• City level (see urban planning)
• Regional level
• State and federal level
• European/international level

This means that the respective issue can be viewed from these different spatial perspectives, be it the topic of living, economic considerations or climate protection – and there is no right or wrong level, because all have their advantages and disadvantages.

The central justification for the existence of spatial planning arises from the need to analyse the effects of projects, conflicts and opportunities at the various levels and to derive recommendations for action or strategic considerations from them, while proceeding in the most future-oriented and sustainable manner possible. In a broader sense, questions of justice can also be addressed.

Spatial planning thus plays a crucial role in many highly relevant topics, for example:

• Challenges of demographic change
• Legislation on migration issues
• Future-oriented infrastructure and transport planning
• Impact of the energy transition on the labour market and the economy
• Efforts to adapt to environmental risks and the effects of climate change

What exactly do spatial planners do?

In spatial planning, there is no fixed job description. On the contrary, there are few jobs that are characterised by so much variety: for example:

Analysis and planning

• Analysing the demand situation and the development potential of regions.
• Creating development concepts for conurbations, industrial and nature conservation areas.
• Creating spatial studies as a basis for planning projects.
• Developing strategic guidelines for sustainable spatial development.

Infrastructure development

• Planning and development of transport routes (roads, railways, cycle paths).
• Development of concepts for electricity and energy supply.
• Location planning for company branches, industrial areas and business parks.
• Planning of leisure and tourism facilities such as theme parks and hotel complexes.

Sustainability and environment

• Protection and development of nature reserves and landscapes.
• Integration of climate-friendly and environmentally friendly measures into planning.
• Promotion of renewable energies and sustainable mobility.

Urban- and regional development

• Design and modernisation of urban spaces and city centres.
• Promotion of regional economic development.
• Planning and funding of rural infrastructure and village development.
• Integration of social and cultural aspects into the planning of living spaces.

Coordination and collaboration

• Cooperation with architects, transport engineers and environmental engineers.
• Dialogue with authorities, politicians and public institutions.
• Involving local residents in the planning process through workshops and participatory formats.

Legal and political aspects

• Observance of and compliance with regional development plans and legal requirements.
• Preparation of and participation in approval procedures.
• Consultancy services for municipalities and cities on municipal spatial planning issues.

Innovative planning techniques

• Use of GIS (geographic information systems) and digital planning tools.
• Application of data-based forecasts and models for spatial and infrastructure development.
• Integration of smart city concepts and digital technologies into planning.

Project management

• Organising and managing planning projects.
• Budgeting and monitoring investment in infrastructure projects.
• Evaluating projects according to economic, social and environmental criteria.

Communication and awareness

• Presentation of concepts and projects in citizens' forums and expert committees.
• Creation of reports, studies and visualisations to illustrate plans.
• Mediation between the different interests of citizens, business and politics.

What is regional planning?

In comparison to spatial planning, regional planning adopts an administrative perspective with fixed objectives. It mediates between state-level planning, i.e. at the level of the federal states in Germany, and the municipal planning level. It is less technical, i.e. it is not geared towards topics such as infrastructure or environmental protection, but rather acts as a communicative mediator.

This is because the municipalities and communities largely work independently. So when a federal state sets a strategic course, it is the task of regional planning to coordinate all interests and ensure a uniform spatial and structural order.

This means that regional planning is of outstanding importance for medium and long-term development at the regional level, because it has to resolve both short-term conflicts and reconcile long-term interests that may be in conflict.

The central medium for this is the so-called regional plan. It defines long-term goals for the development of the respective area, which have previously been coordinated with the affected regions and stakeholders. Such a participation process can be very lengthy, extensive and also cost-intensive.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, there are six different regional planning regions:

• Arnsberg
• Detmold
• Düsseldorf
• Köln
• Münster 
• Regionalverband Ruhr

What do you do as a regional planner?

Regional planning activities are also incredibly diverse. No day is the same here and there are hardly any templates that would always allow a standardized procedure.

Mediation between planning levels

• Ensuring the coherence between state planning and municipal planning.
• translation strategic objectives of the federal state in regional measures.

Preparation and update of the regional plan

• Definition of zones of use, e.g. for residential, commercial and nature reserves.
• Defining long-term Development goals and priorities for the region.

Moderation and participation

• Organization and management of Participation processes with communities, citizens and companies.
• Development of Participation formatsto promote acceptance and participation.

conflict management

• Mediating and resolving conflicts between different interest groups (e.g. nature conservation vs. industry).
• Development of Compromise strategies in case of conflicting regional requirements.

Advice and support for municipalities

• Technical and organizational support for municipalities in adapting to regional requirements.
• Provision of Planning principles and data evaluations.

Long-term development scenarios

• Preparation of Future scenarios for sustainable and resilient regional development.
• Consideration of demographic, economic and environmental trends.

Coordination of regional development projects

• Control of pilot projects, e.g. for sustainable mobility or renewable energy.
• Networking of municipalities and actors in regional cooperation projects.

Monitoring and evaluation

• monitoring the implementation of the regional plan and evaluating the results.
• Adapting planning to changing framework conditions and new challenges.

Spatial planning or regional planning?

Spatial planning and regional planning are closely linked thematically and disciplinarily — but very different in their specific work. DSpatial planning is closer to operational work — regional planning has a more coordinating and coordinating role.

Of course, you have to find out for yourself which of the two disciplines suits you better. The following considerations may help:

1. Studying

Spatial planning can be studied at bachelor's and master's levels. Spatial planning is usually carried out together with Urban planning as a course of study offered. But you can also study geography and specialize in it, for example. Many students also come from the engineering sciences for spatial and regional planning, for example as surveyors.

2. salary

In both disciplines, you can expect good to above-average salaries - especially if you studied engineering. In general, you can expect a higher salary with a master's degree, but don't forget that professional experience is also important!

3. career prospects

If you want to work for the state, regional planning is a good choice. Here, for example, can you also work for planning offices or maybe even set yourself up one day with a good idea?

Summary spatial and regional planning

Even though spatial planning and regional planning are closely related, there are differences. We hope that you now have a better idea of what distinguishes the two disciplines from one another – and that this will help you with your next job search – for example, at GoGeoGo!

FAQs 

Are spatial planners engineers?

Spatial planners do not necessarily have to be engineers – you can also become a spatial planner by studying geography or spatial planning. However, there are also many engineers who later decide to pursue a career in spatial planning.

How much does a regional planner earn?

On average, regional planners in Germany can expect a salary between 40,000 and 60,000 euros – depending on their training, professional experience and the federal state.