Northern Illinois University Implements Interactive Campus Web Map with Assistance from Intergraph Technology and Grant

GeoMedia-based Web map enables students to locate campus buildings, bus stops and more

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 5, 2004 - Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions today announced Northern Illinois University (NIU) has implemented an interactive Web map that enables users to locate sites and resources on the NIU campus (http://www.niu.edu/maps.shtml). An Intergraph Registered Research Laboratory, NIU's Department of Geography Advanced Geospatial Laboratory created the detailed automated campus map using proven GeoMedia(R) technology.

"This map has helped us realize the university's vision of creating an automated map with leading GIS technology," said Mr. Phil Young, Research Scientist at the Department of Geography, Northern Illinois University. "The ability to create one of the most advanced Web-based campus maps in the country, from conception to implementation, highlights NIU as a leader in GIS education. Thanks to Intergraph's Web mapping technology, we had an easy way to publish our GIS data for a non-GIS audience."

Prior to creating a Web-based system with GeoMedia WebMap Publisher and GeoMedia WebMap Professional, the campus maps were outdated static maps that did not offer the user interactive features such as zoom in, zoom out and scaling abilities. The new Web map displays an overhead view of the university, showing buildings, greenways, sidewalks, street names and other features. Students and staff can now locate specific building sites, safe walking routes and estimated walking distances. The map also has a query bar that enables users to do searches, get help with the Web map and more.

New students can now log onto the Web site and take a detailed, in-depth look at the campus, which can assist them in making decisions when registering for classes. Students moving on campus can use the Web-based GIS to locate bike racks, emergency call boxes, parking, bus stops/routes, offices and university departments that are within closest proximity to their residence.

The university has future plans to expand the map to include extended bus routes and food establishments that accept NIU credit cards; classroom locations and building floor plans; seating arrangements for NIU's football stadium and convocation center; the best route between two points of interest; and more.

Visit www.intergraph.com/education for information about Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions for Education. For more information about Intergraph's solutions, visit http://imgs.intergraph.com/solutions/. Detailed information about Intergraph Web mapping technology can be found at http://imgs.intergraph.com/products/default.asp?id=gmw.

Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions

Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions is a leading geospatial solutions provider for the following markets: local, state and federal government; transportation; utilities; communications; location-based services; photogrammetry; remote sensing; cartography; and military and intelligence. For more information, visit http://imgs.intergraph.com/.

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