Provide access and support for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies to the Smith College Community. Additionally, work with the Smith Community to integrate GIS and related technologies throughout the curriculum.

Distribution Plan

Support Plan

Infrastructure Plan

Distribution Plan

A major objective of the Spatial Analysis Lab is to increase access and ease use of GIS and related technologies throughout the campus. The cornerstone of this objective is development of a Centralized Spatial Data Server (CSDS). The CSDS will not only store spatial data developed by the Smith Community and beyond, but it will also be a gateway to faculty and students who need timely access to geographic data. Accessing spatial data, conducting spatial analysis, and generating cartographic products will be enabled via standard web browsing environment.

The Smith Community will be able to access and make use of the data at many different levels.

Note: The Spatial Analysis Lab maintains a site license for ESRI software, which allows software installations throughout the campus.

Levels of Access:

I. Browsing

Interactive web mapping will be available to all users with an Internet connection. The SAL is developing an Internet Map Server (IMS) to provide basic, as well as, customized mapping services.

See the following URL for more information on IMS http://www.esri.com/software/internetmaps/index.html

The SAL is also planning to deploy a variety of GIS client applications to any member of the Smith Community interested in working with geographic data at a more advanced level.

The following GIS clients will be available:

ArcReader and ArcExplorer (thin clients)

ArcReader and ArcExplorer are free viewers capable of interacting with GIS data over local networks or the Internet. Functionality is limited, but these applications provide a simple to use interface and easy access to spatial data.

See the following URLs for more information on these thin clients:

http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcreader/overview.html

http://www.esri.com/software/arcexplorer/index.html

II. Browsing and Analysis

ArcView (medium client)

ArcView is the most popular GIS software application available today. ArcView combines ease of use with the analytical power of a full and robust GIS. ArcView users can pull data down from the CSDS and conduct their analysis locally.

III. Advanced Browsing and Analysis

ArcGIS (thick client)

ArcGIS is the newest software system developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). ArcGIS is itself an extremely scaleable system and we plan to leverage its inherent flexibility.

ArcGIS contains all the functionality of a full GIS application as well as several convenient hooks into networked environments allowing access to data ranging in source from local to global. Users can conveniently connect to the CSDS as well as the Geography Network accessing data from around the globe.

Support Plan

• · Workshops & Training

• · Seminars
  

• · Study Groups
  

• · Special Events
  

• · Faculty Support
  

• · Student Support
  

• · Authorized Learning Center

Workshops & Training
Offer technical training workshops to Faculty, Staff and Students three (3) times per year. Workshops will be offered each semester, as well as during Interterm. Workshops consist of technical software training and background information on spatial science. Duration: 2-5 days

Seminars
Seminars will be offered periodically throughout the school year. The seminars will address special issues related to GIS and GIS activities in and around the Smith College Community. The seminars will not have the demands of the training workshops and will be 1 to 3 hours in duration.

Proposed Seminar Topics

• Introduction to the Spatial Analysis Lab

• · Understanding Geographic Data

• · Metadata

• · Cartography

• · Data Development and Editing

• · "What's New" Seminars

Study Groups
Study groups consist of 4-6 participants who commit to completing an ESRI On-Line course (see www.esri.com/training) selected by the GIS Specialist. Group members work on the course during their own time and meet weekly with the GIS Specialist to address questions and review material.

Special Events
Participate in GIS Day, a worldwide event held during Geographic Awareness Week that celebrates the accomplishments of the GIS community.

Sponsor individual speakers

Faculty Support
The GIS Specialist is available to work with faculty members who wish to incorporate GIS applications into their coursework. Support includes development of laboratory exercises in consultation with the faculty member, and introductory lectures on GIS and GPS technology.

Student Support
Students conducting special studies or theses may use the SAL and receive assistance from the GIS Specialist.

Authorized Learning Center
Designate the SAL as an ESRI Authorized Learning Center.

Infrastructure Plan

See the buildout scenario for initial planning on SAL's infrastructure needs.