THE APPLICATION OF WEB BASED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (WEB GIS) IN SECURING HOUSING SOLUTIONS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK, FREDERICTON LOCALITY

S.C. Hibbert

University of New Brunswick, Canada

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 North America alone, on a daily basis and therefore provides an excellent platform for launching and maintaining geographic information.

This project utilizes Web GIS to assist students of the University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (UNBF) in finding housing solutions to rent and also individuals who are interested in purchasing real estate within the UNB, Fredericton locality.

Many of the International students, who have chosen to study in Canada, have not had the opportunity to visit this country prior to commencing studies. They are not familiar with the surroundings and are unaware of available housing options located off campus.

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 University of New Brunswick and to the wider public.