THE APPLICATION OF WEB BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
(WEB GIS) IN SECURING HOUSING SOLUTIONS WITHIN THE
S.C. Hibbert
d7496@unb.ca
Web based
Geographic Information Systems (Web GIS),
provide a viable channel through which geographic data can be gathered and
disseminated to a wide cross section of individuals. The internet connects over
two hundred million users in
This project
utilizes Web GIS to assist students of the
Many of the
International students, who have chosen to study in
Based on information obtained through news paper advertisements, UNB's student housing website and informal interviews with returning international students, it was discovered that it is more economical to live off campus (with an approximate cost savings of 40%) than in University Residence facilities.
This Web GIS application can be used by students to search for off campus housing options which meet personal criteria (which may include economic, geographic, or social considerations). It can also be utilized by home buyers in securing Real Estate, giving consideration to economic and social criteria such as property price and location in relation to educational institutions. Through the ability of Web GIS to provide interactive geographic information online, users can execute (even basic) pre- arrival area analysis to gain a more informed appreciation of an area in which they will eventually be living.
ArcIMS (Arc Internet Map Server) produced by Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) was used to create the GIS website. The necessary geoprocessing of the data was undertaken using the ArcMap software (also made by ESRI) to define the geographic content and extent of the information to be used in the Web GIS.
While this Project concept does not highlight the gamut of
possibilities that exist with Web GIS, it has the potential to be further
researched and developed. It examines possible
scenarios in which Web GIS could be useful to both students of the