As public interest in checking land-use planning in Hanoi continues to grow, numerous websites and social media pages have emerged claiming to provide planning maps and zoning information. But how reliable are these sources?

Since opening on June 29, the Hanoi Master Plan Exhibition, showcasing the capital's 100-year development vision at the Hanoi Museum, has attracted thousands of visitors seeking to learn about the city's future development and review planning information.

At the same time, a growing number of websites and social media pages offering "Hanoi planning checks" have appeared online. Many people have used these platforms to find out whether planned road expansions or zoning changes could affect their homes or businesses.

According to Trinh Quang Dung, Head of the Department for Planning, Architecture and Urban Management under the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, the information circulating online is published independently by private businesses. While some of it may be based on certain planning data, it is neither complete nor officially recognized.

Dung said Hanoi is currently releasing its master plan, which will later be followed by district-level zoning plans and detailed planning documents for project implementation.

"The master plan is strategic in nature and serves as the overall development orientation for the capital. Government agencies will use it as the basis for proposing investment projects and gradually building Hanoi into a civilized, modern and livable city. It is not intended as a tool for everyday public needs such as buying property or processing land ownership certificates," Dung said.

He added that visitors to the fourth floor of the Hanoi Museum can currently access interactive digital screens free of charge to review district-level planning schemes.

However, the software is still in its trial operation phase and is expected to be officially launched around December with more comprehensive planning information.

According to Dung, the system under development will integrate complete planning data. By selecting a specific land parcel, users will be able to view its designated land-use function along with related planning parameters, making it easier for residents to search planning information based on their needs.

Thanh Hue