Building the Spatial University: Spatial Thinking, Learning, and Service Throughout the System

Description

This volume discusses the concept of The Spatial University as part of the broad growth of spatial science and the need for spatial infrastructure in colleges and universities. The book centers on the development of U-Spatial, the spatial science infrastructure at the University of Minnesota that offers a range of spatial activities and services, including data access, training, and community building. Against a backdrop of the changing nature of research, teaching, and service in higher education, the story of U-Spatial anchors a broader discussion of what it means to be a spatial university. This narrative framing demonstrates―with specific examples―the importance of institutions offering dedicated spatial research infrastructure. In six chapters, the text explores the importance of spatial thinking, learning, and research for student and researcher success. The volume offers lessons that are applicable far beyond the University of Minnesota to apply to a  broad array of domains and institutional specializations. The book will be useful to students, researchers, and policymakers concerned with how institutions can encourage spatial research, teaching, and service. It will also appeal to researchers and practitioners interested in broader uses of spatial science. This book shows how GIS can transform a university, speaking to the need for leadership in higher education around the power of bringing everything together using spatial and geographic concepts. Jack Dangermond Co-Founder and President, Esri Preface Foreword: Envisioning the Spatial University—An Origin Story Acknowledgments Contents Chapter 1: Three Scales of the Spatial University 1.1 The Spatial University 1.2 Macroscale: Big Picture of the Spatial University 1.3 Mesoscale: Translating the Macroscale Big Picture to Specific Themes 1.4 Microscale: Specifics of the Spatial University 1.5 Conclusion References Chapter 2: U-Spatial: Nexus of the Spatial University 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Building U-Spatial 2.2.1 Geospatial Consortium (2006–2010) 2.2.2 U-Spatial (2011–2015) 2.2.3 From Start-Up to Critical Infrastructure (2016–Present) 2.2.4 Structure and Networks of Collaboration 2.2.5 Funding 2.3 U-Spatial Services 2.3.1 Help Desk 2.3.2 Training Workshops and Credentials 2.3.3 System-Wide Software and Subscriptions 2.3.4 Consulting Services 2.4 Conclusion References Chapter 3: Spatial University for Service and Support 3.1 Introduction 3.2 A Spatial University From the Beginning 3.2.1 Minnesota Land Management Information System 3.2.2 Formative Moments in the Spatial University 3.3 University Services, Facilities, and Management 3.4 Office of Information Technology 3.5 Libraries and Geospatial Information Infrastructure 3.5.1 Mapping Prejudice 3.6 Natural Resources Research Institute 3.7 Center for Urban and Regional Affairs (CURA) 3.8 Expanding the Footprint of Spatial Service 3.9 Conclusion References Chapter 4: Spatial Thinking and Learning 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Training the Next Generation of GIS Professionals 4.2.1 Evolution of GIS Infrastructure 4.3 Courses and Curricula 4.3.1 Introductory Courses in Spatial Thinking 4.3.2 Teaching a Foundational GISc Course 4.3.3 Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Minor 4.3.4 UMD GIScience BS Degree 4.3.5 MGIS Program 4.4 Learning Beyond Coursework and Curricula 4.4.1 U-Spatial 4.4.2 GeoCommons 4.4.3 GISSO 4.4.4 Esri Innovation Program 4.5 Using GIS as a Tool for Teaching 4.5.1 StoryMaps + ArcGIS Online 4.5.2 Pivoting to Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic 4.6 Conclusion References Chapter 5: Spatial Sciences and Research 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Research Advancing Spatial Science 5.2.1 Natural Resources and Remote Sensing 5.2.2 Computer Science and Engineering 5.2.3 Polar Geospatial Center 5.2.4 Minnesota Supercomputing Institute (MSI) 5.2.5 Geography and CyberGIS 5.3 Spatial Science in Service of Discovery 5.3.1 Minnesota Geological Survey 5.3.2 GEMS Informatics Center 5.3.3 MPC and Spatial Analysis Core 5.3.4 Institute on the Environment 5.3.5 Food Protection and Defense Institute 5.3.6 Spatial Science and Health Research 5.4 Conclusion References Chapter 6: Future of the Spatial University 6.1 Introduction 6.2 The Need for Spatial Critique 6.3 Spatializing Knowledge 6.4 The University’s Spatial Challenges 6.5 The Centrality of GIS 6.6 The Spatial Economy 6.7 The Spatial University References Index