CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has mandated the preparation, approval, and adoption of legally valid GIS-based Master Plans, Zonal Plans, and Land Use Plans across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and urban development authorities. The order, issued on August 11 by the housing and urban development department, directs all planning authorities to implement standardised geospatial methodologies and uniform data structures. The state’s existing 123 Master Plans, which govern 130 towns, were built entirely using conventional methods and lack a digital, data-driven foundation, according to the order. The new spatial database will include GIS layers such as administrative boundaries, cadastral parcels where available, transportation networks, existing and proposed land use, building footprints, water bodies, drainage, contours and terrain, and utilities like water supply, sewerage, storm water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications.