Demographic, economic and geographic analyses, housing studies and other general and special research related to the preparation and maintenance of the Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP) and for other planning purposes is carried out by the Planning Research Section.

Population and housing studies for Miami-Dade County and various subareas are produced by the Demographic Unit, along with estimates and projections. It is a repository for Census data and information and special reports can be produced upon request, usually for a small charge.

The Economic Unit completes studies where economic analysis is applied to a number of issues affecting Miami-Dade County. Its primary responsibility is to act in support of the department's comprehensive planning program where economic considerations are a prime concern. The unit is responsible for the Capital Improvements, Economic and Housing elements of the Comprehensive Development Master Plan. Additionally, it provides economic data and technical assistance to other County agencies, as well as monitoring and publishing a list of Miami-Dade County Economic Indicators.

Studies where economic analysis is applied to a number of issues affecting Miami-Dade County are done by the Economic Unit Miami-Dade At a Glance.

The development and maintenance of a Geographic Information System (GIS) database containing current land uses and the future development capacity of vacant lands is the responsibility of the Geographic Unit. This data is contained in a layer within the County's GIS. Additionally, the Geographic Unit generates and maintains several small-area datasets as well as providing computer generated map products.

See the Publications List in the Library for a current catalog of products available through the Information Center. A large number of reports, studies and maps are available.