American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

A Plat Map provides an accurate picture of ____ in a city?

1. Improvements on the land

2. GIS layers

3. Development patterns

4. Land entitlements

The correct answer is: Development patterns

A Plat Map primarily provides a detailed representation of land subdivisions, including boundaries, lot sizes, streets, and public spaces. This map is foundational for understanding how land is divided and how different parcels are situated in relation to one another. By illustrating the layout of a city or development, it effectively documents development patterns, showcasing how land has been organized and used over time. Development patterns are crucial for planners as they relate to zoning, infrastructure development, and community planning. Understanding these patterns allows planners to analyze trends, make informed decisions about future developments, and consider how various land uses interact within the urban environment. While improvements on the land, GIS layers, and land entitlements are essential aspects of urban planning, they are not the primary focus of a Plat Map. Improvements relate to existing physical structures or modifications, GIS layers involve digital representation often beyond the simplicity of a Plat Map, and land entitlements pertain to legal rights associated with land. A Plat Map serves more directly as a tool for understanding the overarching arrangement and organization of a city’s development patterns.