The Power of GIS Technology: Developing an accessible campus map Christopher Lanterman Principal Lecturer, Co-Chair for the Commission on Disability Access and Design Lauren Copeland-Glenn EAO Coordinator, Co-Chair for the Commission on Disability Access and Design

Objectives Identify the legal foundations for providing accessible information about campus Explore applications of GIS technology to create maps that meet a variety of university needs Identify key stakeholders and allies in developing an accessible GIS-based campus map

Overview Purpose of a map Accessibility in mapping History of the project Legal foundations What is GIS? Current project status Challenges Action planning

Purpose of a Map Orientation Fundamental Information Where are you? Where did you come from and where do you go from here? What do you need to know to get there? Fundamental Information Building name Entrances Path(s) of travel Door(s) Signage Floor covering Elevator and stairs Restrooms (including service animal relief areas)

What is Accessibility in Mapping Technologically and informationally available to all users One centralized campus map will: allow for continuous maintenance ensure accessibility provide a consistent base map for stakeholders across campus allow for data analysis of the physical environment

Word Maps and GIS Word Maps How can these work together? Orientation information through text GIS Orientation information digitally How can these work together? GIS is good at mapping, but to get a full “picture” of a space detail still must be included Use the power of GIS to provide the complexities of our spaces, both outside and indoors

History of NAU’s Map Project Idea from ITS to replace PDF only campus map Published with very little about accessibility taken into consideration

History of NAU’s Map Project Reorganization at ITS New GIS Manager hired at Facility Services CDAD and Facility Services (MOU) Re-envisioned campus map project

Commission on Disability Access and Design (CDAD) The Commission on Disability Access and Design's vision is a university community free from physical and attitudinal barriers to services, programs and activities through Universal Design.

Legal Foundations Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) passed in 2008 WCAG 2.0

What is GIS? A geographic information system (GIS) lets us visualize, question, analyze, and interpret data to understand relationships, patterns, and trends Administrative Side Efficiencies for campus Academic Research Support academic mission

Using ADA Standards in GIS

NAU ADA Accessibility SCA Project Surface condition analysis (SCA) based on ADA accessibility standards Create a geodatabase schema based on ADA Include customized datasets, feature classes, domains and subtypes Application of the code standards to identify code violations for routing purposes The database should also take into consideration the expansion possibility of future audibility fields Record and communicate the process (vetting) Disseminate the information

Field Collection & Attribute Database Design Based on ADA Code Running Length Cross/Running Slope Length/Width Location Reference (GPS)

Routing

Routing

GIS and Assistive Technology Audible Database Design Map layers scaled for reference scope Audible fields will connect assistive technology to the GIS to communicate relevant data to users

Where WE Are…Next Steps Secure funding Collect the data Campus-wide accessibility audit Hi resolution imaging of campus Modified Word Mapping Leverage expertise Explore graphic user interface for audible output GIS Accessibility interfacing Partner with external resources University commitment

Challenges Funding Leveraging expertise Time and commitment Data collection Underlying coding – Matthew’s audible database

Action Planning Who can help resolve some of these challenges? How can they help and how can you participate? Resources to consider Infrastructure – GIS person? FS relationship? ITS relationship? Have you looked at your campus map? Is it usable? Who are the technical people to leverage?

Thank You Questions? Contact information: Chris Lanterman, Principal Lecturer, Co-Chair for CDAD Chris.Lanterman@nau.edu Lauren Copeland-Glenn, EAO Coordinator, Co-Chair for CDAD Lauren.Copeland-Glenn@nau.edu