The Spatial Analysis Lab is scheduled to move to Sabin Reed hall by the end of 2011. This move represents the first opportunity to design the lab from scratch. What follows is a loose blueprint of how the new lab should be designed based on years of observing other GIS lab environments, as well as our own experiences in Burton and Bass Hall.
Above all, the lab should be built and designed to maximize flexibility in equipment and arrangement. Students need to be comfortable (since they will be spending long periods of time in the lab) and they also need a work space environment that promotes small group collaboration. Small “Geo-lounges” will be created to support student teams engaged in collaborative research.
Lab space must accommodate a variety of equipment to store, and charge, with easy access for class or research.
Some Details include:
Network
- Minimum Gigabit Ethernet Connection to license, file, and print server(s).
- Wireless Access Point?
Workstations
- Twenty (20) moveable computer workstations. Each computer workstation must support dual large flat screen monitors (each monitor minimum 24 inch diagonal).
- Each workstation should maximize table top surface area and have 2 feet of flat space to either side to spread out map documents and accommodate personal laptops similar to the Versatile space saver Max Rack Desk by Martin & Zieglerhttp://www.martinandziegler.com/Pages/Max_Rack/Max_Rack.htm
- Each workstation requires 6-8 outlets and 2 Ethernet ports to accommodate extra monitor(s), and peripheral equipment such as GPS units (see flooring).
- Computer cabling should be enclosed/concealed, but easily accessible.
- Power outlets should be built into the workstation and / or mounted flush with the floor.
Conference Table(s)
- 48 x 120 Conference / Meeting Table
- The conference table should consists of 2 – 4 tables ganged together to form a larger conference table in the center of the room. Modular design provides more flexibility for alternative uses and future needs.
Flooring
- Low profile raised flooring (also known as computer flooring) is required to maximize flexibility in electrical power and computer network arrangement. Furniture (desks, tables, lecterns) can be arranged in any configuration necessary.
Carpeting and Chairs
- Carpeting
- 30 Chairs (without arm rests for use at computer workstations).
- 12 chairs with arm rest for use at conference/meeting table and/or GeoWall viewing
Lecterns
- Two (2) movable lectern computer workstations that support dual flat screen monitors (min. 24 inch each), laptop hookups, and peripheral devices. Each lectern workstation should also control room lighting. Initially, one lectern station in front of room and one in the center of the room. Overhead projectors controllable from either lectern.
Walls / Perimeter
- Whiteboard
- Chalkboard
- Dropdown GeoWall screen with chalkboard/whiteboard behind.
- Bookshelves / Cabinetry to store books, manuals
- Map Files with base cabinetry
- Bulletin board space / bulletin boards
- Remaining wall space should accommodate frames for map display
Projection / Sound System
- Ceiling mounted Projection System(s)
- Dual Projectors facing front of room (East or West wall) to support GeoWall
- Single Interactive Projector supporting Interactive White Board capabilities (such as the BrightLink 450Wi – http://www.epsonbrightlink.webengager.com/)
- Speakers mounted with Projectors and in room corners (controlled from lecterns)
Miscellaneous
- Equipment Storage and Recharge Area (in concrete bunker)
- Modify cabinetry in concrete bunker area to accommodate equipment and map drawers
- Lighting: dimming lights controllable from each lectern station
- GeoWall
- Create a permanent installation for existing GeoWall to accommodate wider use
- Upgrade GeoWall computer
- Touch Table or similar table like surface for map collaboration and location awareness
- 3D Laser Scanner similar to Trimble’s GX 3D Scanner
- Variety of GPS data collection equipment to support quick data gathering and verification to high accuracy mapping.