Students in Drake’s Applications of GIS course, which is taught in the environmental science and policy program, collaborated with Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) on two projects this semester.
First, the students developed an online, interactive map of campus. This map will help new and prospective students learn more about campus landmarks and sustainability projects.
Second, students mapped several hundred trees on campus, and linked tree locations to FPM’s tree maintenance records. This map and database will help FPM track tree maintenance needs across campus. In the future, certain trees of special interest may be added to the interactive online map.
Through this collaboration, the students gained hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and presenting a GIS project to solve a real-world problem.
—Kevin Moran, Executive Director Facilities Planning and Management