Mobile Computing | News
Claremont McKenna Launches New Interactive Map
Claremont
McKenna College in Claremont, CA, has launched a new interactive map that is
both optimized for mobile apps — so that it can be used by those who
want to find
their way around campus — and be accessed via the college's Web site as
well — so
that those who are not physically present can get the same kinds of
information.
The
online
tool includes a way to take a self-guided interactive tour of the campus
using the map, photos and three-dimensional renderings within the
familiar
Google Maps layout, allowing prospective students from anywhere in the
world to
get a visual picture of what their potential new campus might look like.
Users
can
click on a building or other campus features to read a description and
see
photos and videos. It includes 360-degree panorama views of prominent
campus
locations such as the Kravis Center, Flamson Plaza and the Emett Student
Center.
At
the
same time, students and visitors who are walking the campus can use
their
mobile devices to get instant information about their locations, which
are
sorted by categories and can be selected or de-selected by preference.
Public restrooms
and emergency phones are noted as well.
The
interactive
map project was spearheaded by Lorraine Wang, Claremont McKenna's
director of Web communications and new media, assisted by a team of
students
and interns. Three-dimensional models used in the interactive map were
created
by architect Daniel Gallagher and designer Stephan Manka.
Within
the
next year, a video tour feature with student guides, additional photos
and
panoramas of college landmarks and specialized campus tours will be
added to
the tool, which can be viewed at cmc.edu/map.
About the Author
Michael Hart is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and the former executive editor of THE Journal.