By hand
Consulting several sources to gather the site data, copying that information into several documents and checking every data point to avoid an error that delays the application. Several hours of manual work.
Comparison
Preparing a planning permit: by hand or with Airplan?
Most architects still prepare their applications by hand: going through WalOnMap layer by layer, copying the data into Word and assembling the annexes. Here is how that method compares with Airplan, step by step.
In short
By hand or with Airplan: what's the difference?
A planning permit application in Wallonia can be prepared by hand, by going through the official WalOnMap data layer by layer, copying the information into the forms and assembling the maps and annexes in Word. It is possible and free, but time-consuming and prone to omissions.
Airplan automates these steps: starting from the cadastral reference, it retrieves the planning data, pre-fills the annexes, generates the maps and structures the photo report, all from a single entry of the project details. Several hours of manual work come down to a few minutes.
Step by step
Manual method vs Airplan
A comparison of the main steps in preparing a planning permit application in Wallonia.
| Critère | By hand (WalOnMap + Word) | With Airplan |
|---|---|---|
| Collecting planning data | Go through WalOnMap layer by layer and copy each data point by hand | More than 100 WalOnMap layers retrieved automatically via the cadastral reference |
| Entering client and plot data | The same information retyped in every form | Entered once, then reused in every document |
| Maps and location plan | Generated manually in WalOnMap, with separate page layout | Maps and location plan generated automatically, ready to print |
| Annexes and forms | Filled in by hand, with a risk of omissions | Pre-filled and up to date with the new annexes |
| Photo report | Photos laid out by hand in Word | Geolocated report structured automatically |
| Exporting the application | Word documents assembled by hand | A full Word base, ready for you to finalise |
| Updating the data | Re-check everything by hand if time has passed | Official data refreshed in one click |
| Preparation time | Several hours per application | A few minutes for the basis of the application |
| Risk of omissions or an incomplete application | High: every data point depends on a manual check | Reduced: more than 100 layers checked automatically for each permit |
| Cost | Free (WalOnMap), but time-consuming | Free trial project, then plans suited to your volume (excl. VAT) |
Day to day
Before Airplan and with Airplan
With Airplan
The project information is retrieved automatically from WalOnMap, the required documents are filled in within a few minutes and omissions are reduced. Just a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you prepare a planning permit without software?
Yes. A permit application can be prepared by hand by consulting the official WalOnMap data and assembling the forms, maps and annexes in Word. The method is free but time-consuming, and it leaves room for omissions that can delay the application.
What does Airplan add compared with the manual method?
Airplan automates the collection of WalOnMap data, pre-fills the annexes, generates the maps and the location plan, and structures the photo report, all from a single entry. Preparation goes from several hours to a few minutes, with fewer omissions.
Does Airplan replace WalOnMap?
No. Airplan uses the official WalOnMap data: it retrieves it via the cadastral reference and structures it automatically in the permit application, instead of you consulting and copying it layer by layer.
How much time does Airplan save?
According to feedback from architects, the basis of an application that used to take several hours by hand is generated in a few minutes with Airplan. The time spent on the administrative side is greatly reduced.
Do I have to pay to try Airplan?
No. Airplan offers a free trial project, with no credit card, so you can prepare a first application and compare it with your current method.
Ready to compare on a real project?
Try Airplan on your next permit
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