The Vice-Presidency of the Government, through the Regional Directorate for Organisation and Public Administration (DROAP), created an electronic platform to manage the monitoring of Municipal Master Plans (PDM) in progress and disseminate information on the plans in force.

This platform is the new content of POLAR (Regional Administration Localisation Portal) and contains geographical information on the matters that fall under the responsibility of Vice-Presidency bodies.

The platform is intended to be a useful tool to help DROAP in the performance of its duties related to the implementation of Municipal Master Plans, including the coordination and monitoring of the preparation of these plans. Currently, this process is carried out through revision, alteration or suspension processes. In addition, it also serves as a tool to support the entities participating in these processes and provide information to citizens.

 The platform includes a specific area for the monitoring of ongoing Municipal Master Plans. This area allows users to register and monitor the activities developed by the respective monitoring committees, namely their meetings and reports. It also features studies, reports, maps as well as other elements concerning these plans or of interest to the development process.

 This access to this area is restricted. Each Municipal Master plan can only be accessed by the users who are directly involved in its monitoring, such as committee members, local elected officials or technicians working at municipal councils. Authorised users are also responsible for posting the required documents for the preparation of plans on this platform.

 The platform also features a general access area that contains generic data about the Region and each municipality regarding the status of the Municipal Master Plans in force and under revision.

 As for the plans in force, the platform will provide the rules as well as the land planning maps and restriction plans. Users can view the maps and plans in several display formats, through map services.

 It is also possible to consult legislation, circular letters, frequently asked questions and other documents, which are intended to provide information and support, especially to the municipal authorities.

 The platform can be accessed at the following address http://polar.vpgr.azores.gov.pt/projectos/pdm/. The visualisation of maps for mobile devices can be found at the address http://polar.vpgr.azores.gov.pt/pages/m.