Apr 17, 2023 12:14 PM EDT By David Thompson, UniversityHerald Reporter

With the rising number of students all over the globe, it has become essential for educational institutes to improve their operations for optimized management. While virtual classes and courses have come a long way, adequate campus navigation is one critical area that still needs development. 

Navigational tools such as digital mapping are unique solutions that can benefit universities and colleges in multiple ways. In addition to improving the campus experience, these tools can be utilized to maximize reach and create safe learning environments. This article provides an outline of the different ways educational institutes can use digital mapping to improve campus operations. 

Create interactive learning experiences:

The most apparent use of indoor mapping provides the faculty and student body with a one-stop solution for navigating the campus. However, the geographic information systems used in these software applications can be used to create an interactive learning experience. 

MappedIn, one of the several industry-leading indoor mapping experts, has explained how college & university mapping can be used as a visualization tool to help students access various spaces on campus, like study rooms, and locate meeting rooms. Digital directories allow students to use wayfinding and smart search features to locate key destinations within the campus. This could be further used to find specific professors' offices and clarify doubts. 

These navigation software can also be used to book specific class spots for an effective learning experience. Students who are particularly stressed about their progress can even book appointments with campus counselors via the application and receive assistance. 

Make the campus safer and inclusive:

An essential administrative task of educational institutions is to ensure the safety of all students and faculty. Digitalized mapping software can help create safer and more inclusive learning environments for students. First, these platforms support several languages allowing students across the globe to effectively navigate through campus and seek assistance. 

Furthermore, such interactive tools also come with contact monitoring which can be used to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases like COVID-19. Students and faculty can stay abreast of high-contact areas and avoid classmates and roommates who have contracted the virus. 

Other safety measures include easy access to emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and other security facilities. The administration can update the student body on fires or other emergencies and prevent casualties through push notifications. Students can also alert the administration of general amenities like broken elevators or dirty toilets. 

Better marketing of events and opportunities:

College is the best time for students to explore new opportunities and attend diverse talks and events. Such initiatives can streamline their academic efforts and allow students to understand their goals and motivations better. Through digitalized interactive mapping, institutes can inform students of upcoming events, job opportunities, and other initiatives. 

Interactive mapping can also be combined with proximity marketing through mobile applications. Through push notifications, students can be notified about a job fair or college event that is in proximity. Similarly, students can receive notifications on new campus food vendors or bookstores and libraries' updated closing times. 

Navigational solutions like digitalized mapping also make excellent tools for marketers on campus. Businesses can add their social media accounts and websites to the map to increase their reach during campus festivals. Other benefits of mapping tools include updates on lecture cancellations, changed meeting locations, WiFi information, and promotion of campus news. 

Final thoughts:

Needless to say, the potential of campus navigational tools is endless. In addition to providing adequate campus directions, these can be used by educational institutes to support their digital growth. It can also significantly streamline learning in universities and reduce considerable student stress. 

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