Facilities & Operations has launched a new public-facing Facilities and Parking Map, an interactive online tool developed to give the University of Michigan community and campus visitors easier access to frequently needed operational information in one place.
The map allows users to view operational information layers individually or together, depending on their needs. Initial layers include exterior accessibility features, major construction areas, parking areas, and bike and moped parking.
Created by Facilities & Operations using geographic information systems, or GIS, technology, the map was designed to modernize how campus operational information is shared and maintained.
The platform brings together information that previously was distributed across multiple static PDF maps, creating a single, customizable resource that is easier to use and update.
“Making this map publicly available gives students, employees, visitors and community members a more accessible and reliable way to find important operational information across campus,” said Lukeland Gentles, assistant vice president for operational support. “By bringing these resources together into a single, easy-to-update platform, we’re improving how people navigate campus and helping them plan ahead with more current information.”
The map was initially developed in response to a need identified by Facilities & Operations staff for a more efficient way to access, share and maintain operational information across campus. As the tool took shape, F&O teams and leadership recognized that the same information could also be valuable to students, faculty, staff, visitors and the broader community.
“This map brings several facilities services into one easy-to-use place,” said Brian McElroy, GIS manager in Facilities & Operations. “Users can search locations, turn layers on or off, and quickly find the information that matters most to them. We hope people will try it out and use it to better plan their time on campus.”
Additional map layers may be added over time as campus needs evolve and new operational information becomes available.
The Facilities and Parking Map is part of Facilities & Operations’ broader effort to make campus information more accessible, responsive and useful for students, faculty, staff and visitors.