Planning involves more than just coloring a map or filling up vacant areas with uses.
Policies and programs need to be articulated that will be a meaningful guide to local decision making. Plans should therefore include written text and tables summarizing the reasons supporting those policies and programs. The plan document may also contain maps and other graphics which depict existing conditions and the future objectives of the community. The plan document should relate to the land s physical characteristics. For example, wetlands serve several important functions such as water storage, especially during times of flooding, and wildlife habitat.