Planning is the (psychological) process of creating and refining a plan, or integrating it with other plans. The term is also used to describe the formal procedures used in such an endeavour, such as the creation of documents, diagrams, or meetings to discuss the important issues to be addressed, the objectives to be met, and the strategy to be followed. Beyond this, planning has a different meaning depending on the political or economic context in which it is used.

In public policy

Planning refers to the practice and profession associated with land use planning, urban planning or spatial planning. In many countries, the operation of town and country planning system is often referred to as 'planning' and the professionals which operate the system are known as 'planners'.It is a process which is decided in advance what is to be done in the coming future.