Dr. Wei-Ning Xiang’s final Geographic Information Systems class project required each student to build a GIS database with an easy-to-use interface that could perform purpose-driven tasks. I chose to create a tool that would show the most efficient path to walk from any point on campus to any other.
Creation of the database involved digitally tracing out a vector network of sidewalks, paths, and stairs using aerial photography, then subjectively assigning weights to paths with subtle barriers such as path grade. I later included an accessibility option that completely shut off paths that could not be traveled by wheelchair.