Abstract:
The University of Montana is in the process of creating an interactive campus map and information system using open source technologies. Rapidly developing mapping technologies provide the means to create a low cost and extremely customizable solution. This presentation will discuss various open source software packages used to create the campus map and integrate other data sources on campus.
Problem:
Since the explosion of the Google maps API, visualizing data and accessing information in a spatial context is becoming increasingly common and even expected for many web applications. Many GIS software packages that provide the ability to publish geographic data to the web prove to be cumbersome to use for both developers and audiences, expensive to purchase and maintain, and produce mediocre results in the browser. Open source mapping software that mimics the success and speed of Google maps is becoming increasingly stable and fully featured. With a little background knowledge on the subject and an enterprising spirit, creating a perfectly customized map and information system is possible.
Description of activity:
Currently the campus map at the University of Montana consists of a black and white PDF drawing. Obviously this type of map has severe limitations-it is hard to update and provides no interactive functionality. With definite room for improvement, the Web Technology Services (WTS) programming team explored all of the available options for creating a browser-based campus map. We settled on four different open source packages to make the transition from a desktop GIS (ArcGIS) to the browser map:
PostGREsql - an open-source database
well suited for storing GIS data and updating attribute data
Mapnik - a rendering engine for geographic data
Tilecache - used
to store previously rendered map tiles to speed up responses in to
the browser
Openlayers - the browser UI used to display the data
and customize the user experience
To begin, WTS worked from an AutoCAD schematic .dwg file of campus containing an array of layers including everything from bike racks to building footprints. These layers were then geo-rectified to high-resolution orthographic photos in ArcGIS. Once spatially rectified, the layers were then manipulated to create a base map of features that won't change very often such as sidewalks, parking lots, and building outlines. This layer was then served to the browser via the various software applications listed above. To provide the clickable features on the map, the geographic data was converted to an xml in order to be processed via a web browser. Javascript was then used to create the other user-selectable features for the map like places to eat, art, computer labs, and parking lots.
Attribute data for the geographic features was then gathered and attached to the geographic "shape" features in the database. In order to keep the map up to date, a browser-based admin tool was written
so various stakeholders around campus can update data for places on the map that they have control over.
Outcome
While still under development, the end result of the map and its acceptance on campus has yet to be seen. The responses we've had from our beta test group indicate that they like the look of the map, its familiar interface. Also, initial meetings with other departments on campus have shown that there is interest beyond the browser map. Facilities Services in particular has shown an interest in having one central repository of geographic data and the ability to maintain their data within the GIS. Work is being done now to integrate and extend the GSI other departments on campus.
Importance to other institutions:
Other institutions looking to create an interactive map in-house without purchasing expensive software should look to an open-source solution. Along with a custom map for campus, a project like this can be extended to other departments on campus to be repurposed and used to meet the goals of each particular department. Embarking on a project with open source software creates many unknowns, but having an end product that is exactly what you're looking for is well worth a few bumps along the way.
