Office of Design & Construction

Geographic Information System (GIS) is a software system used to acquire, manage, examine, evaluate, and present geographic data. It is used to build interactive maps for uses such as wayfinding and utility maps. GIS has the ability to access from databases, and can present that information in the form of a map. GIS can also be used to serve out a large amount of information. For example, on a map of our campus a user could click on a particular building and access all the drawings for that building. GIS maps are built starting with geographically located aerial photos and CAD maps. Utilizing the GPS surveying unit new features can be located and added. Several academic departments on campus teach GIS utilizing ESRI ArcGIS software. Due to this experience and knowledge already on campus we have selected ESRI ArcGIS software for our own use. GIS is also a key component of our Campus Infrastructure Master Plan and GIS project. This project with analyze our utility systems for condition, efficiency, and areas of need. GIS will be used to consolidate all our utility drawings onto one GIS map. From this interactive map a wealth of information can be accessed such as drawings, condition, and pipe sizes. This will provide a long needed single source for utility locations and information on our campus.

GIS links:

• Guide to Geographic Information Systems - www.gis.com
• Geographic Information Systems - erg.usgs.gov

Design for BGSU GIS web interface.