Navigating Elon University: Understanding Campus Mapping and Visual Identity

For students, faculty, and visitors alike, a clear and accurate campus map is an indispensable tool for navigating the grounds of Elon University. More than just a directory of buildings, a well-designed campus map serves as a visual representation of the university's identity, providing a sense of place and aiding in wayfinding. This article explores the key elements of effective campus mapping, with a focus on the creation, maintenance, and utilization of these vital resources.

The Importance of Consistent Visuals

Consistency in visual branding is crucial for any institution, and Elon University is no exception. A unified visual language across print, signage, and web-based platforms minimizes confusion and reinforces the university's brand. When individuals can easily recognize and interpret the map's visual cues, their navigation experience is streamlined, and their perception of the university is enhanced.

Creating a 3D Perspective Campus Map

Developing a 3D perspective campus map requires careful planning and execution. Here's a breakdown of the process:

Gathering Aerial Photography

High-resolution oblique aerial photographs are the foundation of an accurate 3D map. Ideally, these photos should capture at least 85-90% of the property from a consistent elevation and direction, mirroring the desired viewpoint of the finished map. If readily available oblique aerial photographs are not accessible, arrangements can be made with aerial photography partners to acquire them. However, photography fees can range from $750 to $1,000 in the United States, depending on the location and urgency of the project.

Utilizing Site Plans and Existing Maps

To ensure accuracy, it's beneficial to obtain copies of the property's site plan and any existing campus maps. Site plans, typically available from the Physical Plant, Facilities Department, or Campus Architect, provide detailed layouts of buildings and infrastructure. Existing maps offer valuable insights into the campus's established cartographic conventions.

Read also: Experiential Learning at Elon

Choosing the Right Software

Finished artwork is typically delivered in SketchUp (.skp) format, as well as a variety of "2D" output formats that clients might desire, including .jpg, .tif, .eps, .pdf, .bmp, .png, .dxf and .dwg. The editable .skp file format would require that our clients have a copy of SketchUp in order to edit the map in three-dimensional form. Clients could, however, overlay information on top of any "static" views that are generated in 360-degrees by importing .tif, .bmp, .jpg or .png graphics into any raster software program, such as Adobe Photoshop or Corel PhotoPaint.

Maintaining and Updating Campus Maps

Campus maps are not static documents; they require ongoing maintenance and updates to reflect changes in infrastructure, building names, and points of interest.

Choosing a Maintenance Strategy

Clients have several options for maintaining their campus maps:

In-house maintenance: The university can manage the map images internally.
Outsourcing to the map creator: The firm that developed the map can provide ongoing maintenance services.
Third-party maintenance: Alternatively, a different external provider can be contracted for map maintenance.

Roughly half of clients choose to have the map creator maintain all aspects of the imagery, while 80-85 percent will have them perform at least "major" updates as changes occur.

Finishing Options for Campus Maps

Campus maps can be presented in various formats to suit different needs and preferences.

Read also: Elon's Notable Graduates

Prints

Each print is printed on high-quality 105# Stardream Pearlescent Paper. The size of this frame will vary depending on the size of the map you created. Frames are 16.5″ x 16.5″ for 12″ x 12″ prints and frames are 16.5″ x 20.5″ for 12″ x 16″ maps. Our frames have a black 2.75” wide heavy polystyrene molding. We choose to mount the prints without a glass/acrylic overlay, which shows off the unique properties of our paper stock when it hits the light. The back of the frame is sealed with a dust cover for added protection. The size of this frame will vary depending on the size of the map you created. Frames are 23″ x 23″ for 12″ x 12″ prints and frames are 15.75″ x 19.75″ for 12″ x 16″ maps. Both frames have a black 1.75” wide genuine-wood molding. The print is enhanced with a soft white acid-free mat, which is bevel cut and placed on top of the print. The print and matt are protected by a premium crystal-clear acrylic overlay. The back of the frame is sealed with a dust cover for added protection.

Canvases

The size of canvases will vary depending on the size of the map you created. Canvas are 30″ x 30″ or 14" x 14" for square pmaps and canvases are 30″ x 40″ or 14″ x 18″ for rectangular maps. We print directly on high-quality canvas, then stretch the image over heavy gauge 1.5″-deep wood stretcher bars. Please note that all City Prints are printed on demand just for you and we don't stock them. For this reason, all City Prints are not eligible for return. We fully guarantee our products and will do everything in our power to ensure you're satisfied with your purchase. We'd sold 50,000 City Prints to happy homes and we want to continue this trend.

Read also: Academics at Elon

tags: #elon #university #campus #map