The government is testing an AI tool that can extract structured data from poor scans, PDFs and paper documents to speed up local planning.
The data extraction platform, known as Extract, is in early testing and is being developed by the government's Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI). The generative AI tool will turn old planning documents into digital data in 40 seconds – drastically reducing the one-to-two hours it typically takes planners to access information. The final version of the platform could be made available to councils later this year.
Extract uses AI to ‘read’ planning documents and pull out useful information. First, it uses AI to understand the text, finding key details like permitted development rights, addresses and dates. Then, it identifies and extracts maps, using computer vision to trace boundaries and define specific areas. Finally, it uses geolocation techniques to place those areas accurately on a modern map. According to I.AI, by breaking down the task into these steps and using different AI tools for each, Extract can transform complex documents into structured, digital data that can be used for modern planning.
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