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Updated: April 2006
 

Pyschology of Space

Stephanie Keep '02
Advisor: Peter deVilliers
GIS Advisor: Jon Caris

Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Smith College students and the Smith College campus through a spatial medium. Mapping student perception as it relates to specific locations in space creates
patterns of related data.
Data can be similarly cross-compared with more concrete data, for example the data collected by Public Safety on incident locations (keep, 2002).

Concluding Remarks from Stephanie

It is strongly indicated by this study that the Smith Campus is a wonderful environment for the Smith College students. Because students spend up to four academic years in-residence, it is important to recognize student’s thoughts and feelings about their campus. Mapping affect and perception could be helpful for future planning. Currently the building of the new Campus Center offers an opportunity to see how the planning of the Smith campus impacts student perception of place. Follow-up studies could be conducted to see if there is a change in student perception after the Campus Center is completed. Perception of environment provides a meeting place between fact and fiction, a place we often call reality.

Notes

The maps that appear on this page were updated in 2006 using a contemporary campus map. The survey data reflect 2002 responses and perceptions. The 2005 data will be available shortly.

Update

Some of these maps will be appearing in the forthcoming book Understanding Place: GIS & Mapping Across the Curriculum

 

 


 

 

Areas where students feel least safe on Campus (2005)

click map to enlarge

 

Areas where students feel least safe on Campus (2002)

click map to enlarge

 

Areas that students perceive Public Safety responds to most incidents (2005)

click map to enlarge

Areas that students perceive Public Safety responds to most incidents (2002)

click map to enlarge

 


 

Contacts:

Stephanie Keep '02

Jon Caris, Spatial Analysis Lab