NEARC Fall 2017

AUTHORS: Pamela Locke, GISP, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Sara Cassidy Smith, AIA, University of Massachusetts Lowell

ABSTRACT: The body of data collected and mapped by the University of Massachusetts, Lowell’s Facilities information System (FIS) team includes interior and exterior data used for many different reasons. A good portion of this data is used by the University’s Planning Department during all stages of a project. We can check classroom schedules and usage, view spaces allocated to academic departments, and see which types of spaces exist in campus buildings (offices, classrooms and labs, for example). We can also view photographs, 360-degree photographs, and information such as number of outlets, or types of media available in all instructional spaces and labs across campus. This data is verified and updated annually, and provides quantitative information for campus planners and administrators in a format they can easily use. The presenters will demonstrate capabilities of the UML GIS database, how the information is collected and used as an analytical tool for existing occupancy (who is where, who has enough space, who may need more), desired academic adjacencies, and future space needs. For example: • Using building floor plans classified by department, planners can compare occupancy with growth projections to predict shortfalls in faculty offices or departments with space to spare. • Mapping student spaces onto a campus plan, planners can analyze why certain locations are successful and where more might be best located _x000D_
This presentation will cover data collection techniques (focusing on interior data collection) and follow the data through the campus planning process.