Developing a Common Online Mapping Platform for Interdisciplinary, Place-Based Undergraduate Research

Abstract

This project aims to develop and sustain participation in a common online mapping platform for interdisciplinary projects focused on content-rich, place-based undergraduate research in the Genesee River basin. The project establishes pathways for faculty and student participation and collaboration in GIS across disciplines, creating and supporting a community of practice that integrates mapping with place-based learning opportunities. The project also seeks to identify a fundamental technical means of integrating GIS software capabilities with web authoring software in order to easily create and share maps online. The development of this proof-of-concept collaboration and simultaneous IT multimedia integration can serve as a model for undergraduate research and technology integration for other oft-overlooked rural areas or ecoregions.