Role of the Civil Engineer in Metropolitan Planning

Responsibilities of the civil engineer in rendering service in metropolitan area general planning may comprise roles as a planner (generalist), a specialist on the planning team, an inventor of new techniques, a public official or practicing engineer in development of the plans, and a citizen in supporting control of land use to conform to the master plan. Coordinated general planning of metropolitan areas and regional areas should indicate the population size, types of desirable developments, and density of specific districts. The suitability of land for different uses such as residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational should be shown. The general plan for the entire metropolitan area should not supersede city planning but should help coordinate the work of city and village planning organizations. Civil engineering students should study courses in urban and regional planning. With this education and with knowledge and experience in planning, designing, and constructing public works, utilities, transportation systems, streets, subdivisions, and industrial developments, the civil engineer will be well equipped to render service in metropolitan area general planning.