The ever-increasing urge for mobilizing a steadily growing metropolitan city has generated many problems such as unemployment, poverty, ghetto and the decline of urban services. In order to combat these problems in Jeddah, which is the second largest city in the Kingdom, it became necessary for the development of an urban observatory.

       Henceforth, the vital role of the urban observatory stems from its measuring capability and effectiveness of the local authorities in achieving on going urban development.

       As a more efficient and accurate way of collecting and analyzing information, Jeddah's urban observatory will establish a more tactical approach by implementing the use of the Geographical Information System (GIS). This will result in increased capabili ty in dealing with problems caused by Jeddah ? s current expansive urbanization growth.

       Further, the Jeddah Urban Observatory will work within the International Urban Observatory System to benefit from its vast experience and knowledge in obtaining development objectives keeping in mind our own general strategies in keeping with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

       The observatory through human and technical resources will study the international urban development indicators and contrive what is best suited for Jeddah ? s special environment.

       The observatory role includes surveying, documenting, retaining, and analyzing information, henceforth-generating overall urban development indicators, applied surveillances and locality analysis utilizing geographical information system.

       The observatory output will enable decision-makers to monitor urban development status in the economical, constructional and environmental areas and will no doubt help urban development efforts to achieve its desired targets.