Land use planning is a process that involves the systematic development and management of land resources. It is an important tool for communities to guide the use of their land to meet their current and future needs. There are many synonyms that can be used in place of the term "land use planning." These include spatial planning, urban planning, land management, land-use management, land-use control, zoning, and city planning. Each of these terms involves the same process of assessing land use and making decisions about how to use it, but they may be used in different contexts or to emphasize different aspects of the process. Regardless of the term used, effective land use planning is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents.