The Inter-Dimensional Analysis of Urban Development: A Guide to the Organisation of Cases and Their Linkages.

The purpose of this paper is to explain the concept behind the organisation of information made available in this compilation of documents on innovative principles and practices across the whole range of urban development; and set out a scheme for considering the use of this information in the specific circumstances of individuals and groups involved in attempts to improve the conditions of urban development for themselves, their communities and their cities.
This purpose is set in the context of a general argument about the positive relation of urbanisation and cities to the advancement of material and human development. This is an argument which needs to be made even today, against a still limited acceptance of the crucial role of improved urban policy, planning, management and community empowerment in dealing with the global challenges of development in the 21st century.