Navigating campus: a geospatial approach to 3-D routing

Abstract

Evolving needs for universities, municipalities, and corporations demand more sustainable and efficient techniques for data management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enables decision makers to spatially analyze the built environment to better understand facility usage by running test scenarios to evaluate current efficiencies and identify opportunities for investment. This can only be conducted when data is organized and leveraged across many departments in a collaborative environment. Data organization through GIS encourages interdepartmental collaboration uniting all efforts on a common front. An organized system facilitates a working relationship between the university and the community of Manhattan increasing efficiency, developing sustainable practices, and enhancing the health and safety of Kansas State University and larger community. Efficiency is increased through automation of many current practices such as work requests and routine maintenance. Sustainable practices will be developed by generating self-guided campus tours and identifying area appropriate for bioswales. Lastly, safety will be enhanced throughout campus by increasing emergency response access, determining areas within buildings difficult to reach in emergency situations, and identifying unsafe areas on campus. Evolving needs for universities, municipalities, and corporations demand more sustainable and efficient techniques for data management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) enables decision makers to spatially analyze the built environment to better understand facility usage by running test scenarios to evaluate current efficiencies and identify opportunities for investment. This can only be conducted when data is organized and leveraged across many departments in a collaborative environment. Data organization through GIS encourages interdepartmental collaboration uniting all efforts on a common front. An organized system facilitates a working relationship between the university and the community of Manhattan increasing efficiency, developing sustainable practices, and enhancing the health and safety of Kansas State University and larger community. Efficiency is increased through automation of many current practices such as work requests and routine maintenance. Sustainable practices will be developed by generating self-guided campus tours and identifying area appropriate for bioswales. Lastly, safety will be enhanced throughout campus by increasing emergency response access, determining areas within buildings difficult to reach in emergency situations, and identifying unsafe areas on campus.

Optimizing data management for Kansas State University was conducted in three phases. First, a baseline assessment for facility management at Kansas State University was conducted through discussions with campus departments. Second, case study interviews and research was conducted with leaders in GIS management. Third, practices for geospatial data management were adapted and implemented for Kansas State University: the building of a centralized database, constructing a 3-dimensional routing network, and modeling a virtual campus in 3D.