How ASU Leverages GIS to Map and Manage Its Complex Campus Spaces
At Arizona State University (ASU), innovation drives everything we do — and our GIS program is no exception. As one of the largest public universities in the United States, ASU manages a sprawling infrastructure that spans 500 plus buildings and over 30 million gross square feet (GSF) of indoor space. This massive scale presents unique challenges, but it also provides exciting opportunities for leveraging GIS technology to its fullest potential.
Innovative GIS Solutions for a Dynamic Campus
ASU’s GIS team is responsible for more than creating maps. We utilize GIS to manage a wide array of critical data, including:
- Campus maps that are viewed by millions of users.
- Utility systems that power our university.
- Real property and easements that define our footprint.
- Interior spaces that support our operations.
To tackle the complexity of managing spatial data for our vast campus, we’ve integrated a variety of tools and data sources. CAD files and tabular data from SQL Server are seamlessly translated into the ArcGIS Indoors Data Model using an advanced FME workbench.
Streamlined and Intelligent Data Management
Our approach doesn’t end with a simple data translation. Our FME workbench isn’t just a batch processor for hundreds of buildings; the workbench is smart enough to identify and update only the data records that have changed. This efficiency reduces processing time, ensures that our data stays accurate and current, and gives us a sustainable way to maintain these capabilities over time and changes.
By consolidating and mapping all of our indoor spaces, we’ve been able to create maps and apps that serve a variety of stakeholders:
- Facility directors and managers can quickly access detailed floor plans of any space on campus.
- Executive leadership can make data-informed decisions about the space utilization of their assigned spaces.
- The Police Department benefits from real-time access to spatial data for safety and security.
ASU’s Floor Plan Viewer
Taking Space Management to the Next Level with Custom User Interface Tools
Building on the success of our Floor Plan Viewer, we’re now developing an interactive web map for Space Management. Using ArcGIS Experience Builder Developer Edition, we built a web app and custom tools that allow users to:
- Visualize spaces by department assignments or Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification (PEFI) use codes.
- Identify the faculty and/or staff assigned to specific spaces.
Spaces are symbolized based on their Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification (PEFI) Code
Faculty and staff occupants can be seen in the flyout
To further meet the unique needs of our users, we developed custom widgets to make the application even more user-friendly and functional. One custom widget applies a Definition Expression to feature services, so that the data will properly subset for the currently logged in user. Another custom widget provides summary statistics of space assignments of the Floor Filter Widget’s currently active floor.
A Space Coordinator’s assigned spaces symbolized by Department Code with summary statistics in a custom widget
Collaboration and Innovation at ASU
This ambitious work is possible because of the collaborative spirit and innovative mindset that defines ASU. Our GIS program is more than a tool—it’s a dynamic platform that supports the university’s mission by making data accessible, actionable, and meaningful.
At ASU, we do not use GIS just to manage spaces; we use it to shape the future of campus management. With every map, application, and process, we demonstrate that GIS is a cornerstone of our commitment to innovation and excellence.
About the Author
Matt Riley is GIS Manager at Arizona State University - Facilities Development and Management, and an Instructional Professional in the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Feel free to contact at mriley25@asu.edu or comment any questions you might have.