Microenvironment Analysis of a University Campus: GIS Design Considerations for Process Repeatability

• Published in: Journal of maps Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 219 - 231
• Main Authors: Hilton, Brian N., Burkhard, Richard J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2009
• ISSN: 1744-5647; 1744-5647
• DOI: 10.4113/jom.2009.1089

Please click here to download the map associated with this article. A GIS-based microenvironment analysis of the campuses of the Claremont Colleges was conducted to assess the environmental impact of the campus footprint and to implement new ideas and approaches for advancing environmental sustainability. The project used concepts from information systems design science to provide a framework for assembling a GIS analysis engine to produce map images and data to explore economic, environmental, energy savings, and social outcomes of planting and preserving appropriate tree species. The framework assisted investigation of increasing the tree canopy coverage at various levels, as well as stakeholder preferences for tree types and aesthetic outcomes. In addition, the study's methods, outcomes, and limitations may be of interest to local and regional planning and sustainability administrators.